-PENCER’S  BOSTON  THEATRE. -No.  CLXXXIX. 


ADELGITHA; 


OR, 


THE  FRUITS  OF  A  SINGLE  ERROR. 


A  £ive  &ct0. 


BY 

M.  G/  LEWIS, 

AUTHOR  OF  “  ADELMORN  TEE  OUTLAW,”  “  CASTLB  SPECTRE,”  u  ALPHONSO,  KING 
OF  CASTILE,”  ETC. 


With  Original  Casts ,  Costumes ,  and  all  the  Stage  Business ,  as  marked  by 
Mr.  J.  B.  Wright ,  Stage  Manager  of  the  Holiday  Street  Theatre , 
Baltimore. 


BOSTON: 

WILLIAM  V.  SPENCER, 

128  WASHINGTON  STREET,  CORNER  OF  WATER  (UP  STAIRS). 


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The  scene  lies  at  Otranto  j  period  of  action,  1080.  Time  of  representation,  two  hours  and  thirty  minutes. 


COSTUMES 


MICHAEL.  Light  blue  merino  shirt  to  the  knee,  and  crimson  merino  toga,  trimmed 
heavily  with  gold  ;  fleshings,  crimson  sandals  ;  gold  coronet,  and  dark  brown  wig. 

GUISCARD.  First  Dress.  Red  shirt  trimmed  with  gold,  and  over  it  a  hauberk  of 
rings,  mascles,  or  square  plates  of  steel ;  legs  to  correspond  5  helmet  conical,  with 
a  gold  band  and  nasal  to  guard  the  face  5  dark  wig  5  shield,  heater-shaped,  and  worn 
round  the  neck  by  a  strap  *,  cross-bar’d  sword.  Second  Dress.  —  Long,  dark  crim¬ 
son  merino  shirt  and  dark  blue  robe,  trimmed  with  gold  ;  jewelled  collar  5  waist-belt  $ 
crimson  skull-cap,  and  coronet.  Third  Dress.  — Shirt  without  the  robe  5  sandals  or 
boots  to  the  ankle,  embroidered. 

LOTHAIR.  —  Armor  same  style  as  Guiscard.  Second  Dress.  —  White  merino 
shirt,  and  small  red  toga  or  shoulder  drapery,  trimmed  with  gold  ;  brown  wig  )  flesh¬ 
ings,  and  sandals  or  boots  embroidered. 

TANCRED.  —  Armor  same  style  as  Guiscard. 

ALCIPHRON.  White  shirt  *,  armor  $  toga  trimmed  with  gold  ;  fleshings  and  san¬ 
dals. 

DERCETUS.  Red  shirt ;  plum-colored  toga,  trimmed  with  silver  5  fleshings  and 
sandals. 

RAINULF.  Same  style  armor  as  Guiscard,  but  blue  steel. 

JULIAN.  Same  style  as  Guiscard. 

KNIGHTS.  Norman  armor  5  fleshings  and  sandals. 

SOLDIERS.  Red  hauberks  $  helmets,  with  nasal  piece  ;  heater  or  share  shaped 
shields  5  spears  5  fleshings  and  sandals. 

PEASANTS.  —  Frieze  shirts  of  different  colors,  to  the  knee  $  and  fleshings  and 
sandals  ;  bareheaded. 

CITIZENS.  Same  as  peasants,  with  small  togas  or  shoulder-drapery  5  bare¬ 
headed. 

SAILORS  in  galley.  Frieze  shirts,  fleshings,  sandals,  &c. 

PAGES.  Scarlet  hauberk,  trimmed  with  ermine  *,  large  sleeves  ;  fleshings,  and 
embroidered  ankle  boots  to  lace  up  in  front  5  scarlet  skull-caps. 

ADELGITHA.  First  Dress.  Black  merino  corset  body,  to  lace  up  the  front,  and 
square  at  the  neck,  long  over  the  hips,  and  trimmed  with  sable  ;  black  merino,  demi- 
train  dress.  Second  Dress. — Scarlet  corset  body,  trimmed  with  gold  and  ermine  ; 
gold  braid  lace  up  the  front  and  seams  i  white  merino  skirt  trimmed  heavily  round 
bottom  with  gold,  tiara,  collar,  and  jewelled  appointments.  Third  Dress.  —  Same 
style,  green  trimmed  with  gold. 

IMMA.  Fawn  merino,  Grecian  body  and  half  skirt  5  white  merino  skirt  and  toga, 
the  edges  of  the  whole  dress  to  be  trimmed  with  gold,  in  a  Greek  pattern. 

ABBESS.  Loose  black  dress,  long  sleeves  ;  black  veil,  &c. 

CLAUDIA.  Black  corset  body,  trimmed  with  ermine  $  scarlet  skirt,  demi-train, 
trimmed  with  silver. 

NUNS.  Same  style  as  Abbess. 

LADIES.  Same  style  as  Adelgitha. 

FEMALE  PEASANTS.  Yarious-colored  merino  loose  gowns,  small  togas,  or 
shoulder  drapery. 


ADELGITHA 


ACT  I. 

SCENE  I.  —  A  Grove ,  with  the  Chapel  and  Shrine  of  St.  Hilda , 
3  and  4  a.  —  In  the  latter  lamps  are  burning ,  and  the  doors  are 
closed.  —  The  sun  is  rising.  —  Claudia  is  discovered  leaning 
against  a  pillar  of  the  shrine ,  l.  f. 

Claudia .  Hail,  welcome  morn  !  at  length  thy  rising  glories 
Gleam  on  the  convent  spires  ;  and,  lo  !  yon  lamps 
With  fainter  rays  illume  the  shrine’s  arched  windows 
Where  Adelgitha  watches.  Sure,  if  virtue 
E’er  found  peculiar  favor  from  high  Heaven, 

Her  prayers  are  heard,  and  Guiscard  lives  and  triumphs. 

( A  bell  tolls ,  and  nuns  are  seen  descending ,  2  E.  R.  H.) 
Hark  !  ’t  was  the  convent  bell  ;  and  see,  the  abbess. 

To  chant  their  matins  in  yon  chapel,  leads 

Her  white-robed  train.  Ah,  Heaven-devoted  sisters, 

How  wise  that  choice  which  from  her  pangs  exempts  you. 

Who  weeps  away  the  night,  and  dreads  at  morning 
To  hear  a  son  or  husband  lives  no  more  ! 

The  Abbess  of  St.  Hilda  enters  with  a  train  of  nuns ,  2  e.  r.  h. 

Claud,  (kneeling).  Most  honored  lady,  at  thy  feet  in  duty 
Suppliant  I  bend. 

Abbess.  May  the  saint’s  blessing,  daughter. 

Aid  thee  to  struggle  ’gainst  a  sinful  world, 

And  guide  thy  pilgrim  steps  to  grace  and  goodness  ! 

(Claudia  rises.) 

Ha  !  wherefore  burn  those  lamps  ? 

Claud.  In  yonder  shrine 
With  prayer  and  penance  has  Apulia’s  princess 
Passed  the  long  night,  imploring  Heaven  that  morn 
Might  bring  glad  tidings  of  her  lord  in  safety. 

Ab.  Well  may  she  rue  that  day  when  Michael  Ducas, 

Byzantium’s  exiled  emperor,  sought  these  shores, 

And  sued  at  Guiscard ’s  feet  for  aid  and  shelter. 

His  suit  was  granted,  and  perhaps  ere  this 


6 


ADELGITIIA 


fACT  I. 


That  life,  on  which  depends  Apulia’s  welfare. 

Has  perished  by  some  Grecian  rebel’s  sword. 

Claud.  And  can  such  fears  alarm  St.  Hilda’s  abbess? 

Doubts  she  of  heavenly  love  or  heavenly  justice  ? 

Has  Virtue  guardian  angels?  —  if  she  has. 

Then  guardian  angels  watch  o’er  Guiscard’s  safety  ! 

Ab.  Against  that  virtue  weigh  the  cause  he  fights  for. 

Claud.  The  cause  he  fights  for  is  an  exiled  king’s. 

Ab.  Weigh,  too,  that  exile’s  guilt,  which  lost  him  empire. 

Claud.  He  who  that  empire  seized  was  guiltier  far. 

Erred  Michael?  —  still  Alexius  was  his  subject. 

Wronged  were  the  Greeks?  —  still  Michael  was  their  king. 

Ab.  What  then,  are  subjects  bound,  and  sovereigns  free  ; 

Free  to  be  proud,  vindictive,  cruel,  false  — 

In  fine,  to  be  what  Michael  was  ? 

Claud.  No,  mother  ; 

But  that  which  Michael  was  he  is  not  now. 

His  power  is  crushed.  Led  by  his  weeping  daughter. 

Suppliant  I  saw  him  kneel  at  Guiscard’s  throne. 

And  none  to  Guiscard  ever  knelt  in  vain. 

I  feel  like  Guiscard  ;  feel  that  heart  is  marble 
Which  heaves  no  sigh  at  sight  of  ruined  greatness  ; 

And  hate  that  light  which  only  glares  to  show 
Faults  which  affliction’s  iron  hand  has  chastened. 

Ab.  Claudia,  thy  blame  is  just ;  I  own  my  error  ; 

And  when  reproof  swells  on  my  lips  again, 

I  ’ll  think,  “  he  suffers  !  ” —  and  reserve  my  censure 
For  those  who  sin  and  prosper  ! — Means  your  princess 
To  join  our  matin  rites  ? 

Claud.  She  waits  your  coming. 

Ab.  ’T  is  well  ( Going .)  — -  yet  comes  not  Claudia  ? 

Claud.  Straight  I  ’ll  follow  ; 

But,  lo  !  Byzantium’s  princess,  beauteous  Imma, 

Bends  to  this  shrine  her  steps.  0,  chide  not,  mother, 

If  from  your  pious  rites  I  steal  some  moments 
To  whisper  comfort  to  yon  royal  mourner  ! 

Ab.  Chide  thee?  Nay,  Claudia,  take  my  heart’s  best  wishes 
To  aid  thy  gracious  office. 

Now,  sisters,  to  the  chapel.  Farewell,  daughter. 

[Exeunt  Abbess  and  nuns  into  chapel ,  c.  doors . 
Claud.  So  sad?  I  fear,  I  fear  our  unowned  youth  — 

Ah,  why  is  virtuous  love  so  rarely  happy  ? 

Enter  Imma  and  ladies ,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Imma  ( speaking  to  herself).  Still  does  he  live?  Sun,  does  he  see 
thee  still  ? 

Or  that  pure  blaze  which  fires  the  orient  sky, 

So  bright  to  others  —  is  it  dark  to  him  ? 

0,  father,  father  ! 

Could’st  thou  but  think  like  me,  a  straw-thatched  cottage, 

Lothair,  and  you,  would  fill  my  heart’s  whole  circle, 

And  then  who  would  might  wear  Byzantium’s  crown. 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


7 


Claud .  So  early  from  thy  couch,  my  princess? 

Im.  0,  such  a  night,  my  Claudia  ! 

Such  sights,  such  bloody  glaives,  such  burning  towns, 

Filled  all  my  broken  dreams  !  — 

No  news  yet  from  Durazzo  ? 

Claud.  Lady,  none  ; 

But  soon  — 

Im.  0,  dread  suspense  !  my  father’s  throne, 

Perhaps  his  life ,  hangs  on  this  battle’s  issue. 

Perhaps,  ere  this,  our  good,  our  glorious  champion 
Has  signed  in  blood  our  ruin  and  his  own  ; 

And  Adelgitha  soon,  o’er  Guiscard’s  corse, 

Will  curse  the  day  she  pitied  exiled  Imma. 

Claud  {artfully).  Perhaps  Lothair  too  — 

Im.  {catching  the  name  with  eagerness).  Ay,  that  good  Lothair  ! 
He,  he !  the  gentlest,  loveliest,  bravest,  best  ! 

He ,  whose  kind  arms,  on  the  Adriatic  waves, 

From  pirates  saved  my  life  and  dearer  honor. 

O,  ere  I  hear  those  words,  “  Lothair  has  perished  !  ” 

Come,  friendly  death,  and  join  me  to  Lothair  ! 

Claud.  Lothair  —  a  foundling  youth  —  a  nameless  warrior  ; 

And  thou  Byzantium’s  princess? 

Im.  0,  I  know  it  ! 

Know  that  my  passion ’s  folly,  ruin,  madness  — 

But  still  —  I  love  !  and,  loving,  still  must  think 
Thy  deeds,  Lothair,  more  noble  than  my  birth, — 

Thy  heart,  Lothair,  more  precious  than  my  treasures  ; 

And  one  fond  glance  shot  from  thine  eyes  more  brilliant 
Than  all  the  jewels  in  my  father’s  crown. 

Claud.  See,  where  that  father  comes. 

Im.  He  frowns  !  away  then  ; 

I  dare  not  meet  him  now.  {Crosses  to  L.  H.) 

Claud.  What  fear  you,  princess  ? 

Those  frowns  are  not  for  you. 

Im.  Alas  !  alas  ! 

When  thus  he  frowns  he ’s  ever  fearful,  Claudia. 

He  had  a  page  —  no  fairer,  sweeter  child 

E’er  blest  a  mother.  Dear  my  father  loved  him  ; 

Yet,  stung  with  sudden  rage  —  0,  can  I  tell  it?  — 

He  stabbed  him  —  stabbed  the  innocent  boy  !  0,  Heaven  ! 

How  painful ’t  is  to  mark  a  parent’s  errors, 

And  not  esteem  where  duty  bids  us  love  ! 

He  comes.  Fly,  Claudia,  fly  !  [Exeunt  into  the  chapel ,  c.  d. 

Enter  Michael  Ducas  and  Dercetus,  2  e.  r.  h. 

Michael.  I  ’ll  hear  no  more. 

Must  I  not  sleep  nor  wake,  but  sung  to  rest, 

Or  from  my  slumbers  roused,  with  Guiscard’s  praises? 

The  screech-owl’s  boding  cry  —  the  approaching  howl 
Of  famished  wolves  —  the  chant  of  midnight  witches  — 

Nay,  e’en  my  only  child’s  expiring  groan, 

Were  music  to  the  praise  of  him  I  hate. 


8 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  I. 


Dercetus.  And  wherefore  hate  him  ?  Serves  he  not  your  cause  ? 

Is  ’t  not  for  you ,  that  now  before  Durazzo 
His  troops  are  leaguered,  and  his  life  exposed  ? 

Is ’t  not  for  you  — 

Mich .  Now  be  that  hour  forever 
Accursed  which  saw  the  emperor  of  Byzantium, 

Suppliant,  implore  a  Norman  pirate’s  aid  ! 

I  was  not  born  to  ask9  but  to  command  ; 

My  task  was  to  confer ,  not  sue  for  favors  : 

Yet  now  by  Guiscard’s  aid,  through  Guiscard’s  bounty 
’T  is  given  me  to  exist.  0,  curses,  curses  ! 

I  sink  oppressed  by  weight  of  obligations, 

And  each  fresh  service  seems  an  added  crime. 

Der.  Yet,  in  his  eyes,  whose  interest  they  advance, 

E’en  crimes  might  well  look  fair. 

Mich.  No,  no  :  were  life 
And  empire  at  my  choice,  I ’d  rather  plunge 
In  neighboring  iEtna,  than  owe  life  and  empire 
To  this  new  Cato’s  grace,  this  Norman  Brutus  ! 

But  last  night,  Dercetus, 

A  ruffian,  hot  with  wine,  cried,  “  Lo  !  where  goes 
The  pensioned  emperor  !  Had  he  ruled  like  Guiscard, 

He  need  not  here  exist  on  Guiscard’s  alms.” 

Gods  !  what  strange  patience  must  that  man  possess, 

Who  calmly  listens  to  a  rival’s  praises, 

Nor  loathes  that  glory  which  obscures  his  own  !  (  Crosses  to  r.  h.) 

Der.  (aside).  The  ungrateful  tyrant  chills  my  blood  with  horror. 
Mich.  What  say’st  thou,  slave? 

Der.  If  thus  his  sight  afflicts  you. 

Soon  come  the  hour  when  you  shall  meet  no  more. 

Mich.  That  hour  is  past,  if  Phocion’s  sword  be  sharp. 

Der.  Phocion  ? 

Mich c  That  Persian  slave  who  left  Otranto  — 

Three  days  since  then  are  o’er  —  conveyed  to  Phocion 
My  mandate,  ’midst  the  battle’s  heat  and  tumult. 

To  plunge  his  sword  in  Guiscard’s  heart. 

Der.  ( shuddering ).  0,  emperor  ! 

Mich.  Then  will  I  seize  my  rival’s  falling  sceptre. 

Use  it  to  strike  Alexius  from  my  throne, 

And,  placing  Adelgitha  there,  salute  her 
Queen  of  Byzantium  and  of  Michael’s  heart. 

Der.  Will  she  accept  that  heart? 

Mich.  She  will  —  she  must. 

Der.  What !  she,  the  model  of  all  wives,  all  women  ! 

Whose  passion  for  her  lord  —  On  man  ne’er  doated 
Woman,  as  doats  on  Guiscard  Adelgitha. 

Her  love  —  her  virtue  — 

Mich.  There ’s  the  charm,  Dercetus  ! 

But,  0,  ’t  were  bliss  to  bend  this  stubborn  beauty, 

Crush  the  proud  fabric  of  her  idol,  honor. 

And,  while  she  weeps  to  view  its  ruins,  teach  her 

She ’s  fond,  and  frail,  and  false  —  in  short,  a  woman  !  ( Crosses  l.h.) 


SCENE  I.J  ADELGITHA.  9 

By  Claudia’s  lips  she  charged  me  here  attend  her. 

(  The  organ  is  heard ,  u.  E.  r.  h.) 
And  hark  !  the  organ  speaks  the  matins  o’er  ; 

The  doors  unclose.  She  comes  —  retire,  Dercetus. 

[ Exit  Dercetus,  1  e.  r.  h. 
(  The  doors  of  the  shrine  open ,  centre.  —  Adelgitha  is  discovered 
in  mourning ,  kneeling  at  an  altar .  • —  Imma,  Claudia,  the  Ab¬ 
bess  and  nuns ,  surround  her.  —  During  the  following  speech , 
Imma  kneels  to  Michael  Ducas,  and  seems  to  receive  his  bless¬ 
ing.) 

Adelgitha.  Chaste  sisters,  take  my  thanks  !  Your  holy  comfort 
Was  balm  to  my  torn  heart.  Though  sad,  I ’m  tranquil  ; 

Though  cheerful,  I ’m  resigned  ;  and  now,  submissive, 

I  ’ll  meet  Heaven’s  will,  let  Heaven  or  smile  or  frown. 

Ab.  Just  is  thy  thought,  and  for  the  world  ’t  were  well 
Thought  all  like  thee.  Now  pardon,  gracious  princess  I 
For  convent  duties  call  me  hence. 

Adel.  Dear  mother. 

Use  your  free  will  ;  your  will  is  my  best  pleasure. 

( Abbess  and  nuns  return  to  the  convent ,  2  e.  r.  h.) 
Adel,  (to  Claudia).  Friend,  join  the  train  —  yon  height  o’ erlooks 
the  bay  ; 

Thence  may’st  thou  first  discern  the  bark  which  brings  me 
Those  tidings  which  I  long,  yet  dread,  to  hear. 

Im.  0,  be  that  office  mine  !  With  restless  eye 
I  ’ll  watch  the  waves  ;  no,  not  a  speck  shall  ’scape  me  ; 

And  when  at  length  I  spy  the  wished-for  sail, 

So  swift  I  ’ll  speed  I  ’ll  make  the  zephyrs  jealous 
To  find  their  wings  outstripped. 

Adel.  My  kind,  sweet  Imma  ! 

Im.  (kissing  her  hand).  My  friend,  my  brother,  Claudia,  come  ! 

[ Exit  with  Claudia,  r.  h.  1  e. 

Mich.  Now,  princess, 

Obedient  to  your  summons  — 

Adel.  We  ’re  alone, 

And  what  I  ’ve  now  to  say  requires  no  witness. 

When  driven  by  desperate  rebels  from  Byzantium, 

’T  was  here  you  sought  protection. 

Mich.  Say ’t  was  here  I  found  it. 

Adel.  Our  means  were  small  ;  our  court  can  boast  no  splendor  ; 
But  what  was  ours  we  gave. 

Mich.  And  gave  it  nobly  ; 

Gave  it  with  freedom,  which  endeared  the  gift. 

Adel.  E’en  at  this  hour  my  lord  beneath  Durazzo 
Sustains  your  cause. 

Mich.  He  does. 

Adel.  His  wealth  is  lavished, 

His  blood  is  risked  for  you. 

Mich.  I  own  his  favors  ; 

Sure,  if  to  man 

E’er  man  owed  gratitude,  to  him  I  owe  it.  (Crosses  to  l.  h.) 

Adel .  Your  gratitude  ? 


10 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  I. 


Mich.  ’T  is  his,  and  his  of  right  : 

None  doubts  it,  sure  ! 

Adel.  ( significantly ).  None  should. 

Mich.  ( haughtily ).  None  dares  ! 

Adel.  None  does. 

Know  you  that  scroll  ?  ( Showing  a  letter.) 

Mich,  {starting).  Ha,  faithless  slave  !  the  letter 
I  sent  to  Phocion.  {Aside.) 

Adel.  Robbers  slew  the  bearer, 

And  ’midst  his  plunder  was  this  writing  found. 

Straight  to  my  hands ’t  was  given  ;  for  e’en  those  robbers 
Whose  blood,  if  seized,  had  streamed  by  Guiscard’s  justice, 

Rejoiced  to  save  that  precious  life,  which  he 
For  whom  that  life  is  risked  would  fain  have  taken. 

Mich.  Confusion  !  {Aside.) 

Adel.  Here  it  stands,  the  ungrateful  name  : 

Is ’t  not  thy  hand  —  thy  seal  ?  And,  were  these  wanting, 

Does  not  the  inhuman  business  it  enjoins 
Declare  that  none  but  Michael  was  the  writer  ? 

Canst  thou  deny  — 

Mich.  My  heart  can  bear  no  more. 

And  I  must  vent  its  rage  or  die  !  {Aside.)  Yes,  princess, 

Yes,  ’t  was  my  hand  which  traced  that  plan  of  death  ; 

And,  from  my  soul,  I  wish  the  murder  done. 

I  hate  thy  Guiscard  !  hate  him  fiercely,  deadly  ! 

And  would’st  thou  know  what  most  excites  my  hate? 

He ’s  Adelgitha’s  husband  ! 

Adel.  { surprised ).  How?  what  cause  — 

Mich.  Princess,  I  love  thee  ! 

Adel,  {starting  —  then ,  after  a  moment's  pause,  with  contempt ). 
Thou  ! 

Mich.  To  frenzy  love  thee  ! 

And  with  what  strange,  what  fierce,  what  desperate  passion, 

Judge  by  this  rash  avowal.  Those  bright  eyes,* 

If  I  am  guilty,  lighted  me  to  guilt. 

They  bade  me  murder  Guiscard  ;  they  seduced  me 
Suppliant  to  clasp  the  Norman  pirate’s  knees  ! 

They  make  me  feel  —  those  stars  of  Michael’s  fortune  — 

Michael  were  wretched  on  Byzantium’s  throne 
Unless  he  shared  that  throne  with  Adelgitha. 

Adel.  If  I  so  long  have  listened  to  these  insults, 

’T  is  that  surprise  and  anger  struck  me  dumb.  — 

Thou  rival  Guiscard  ?  Could’st  thou  hope  her  love 
Who  shares  that  hero’s  could  e’er  stoop  to  thee  ? 

Thou  only  could’st,  by  thinking 
My  taste  erroneous  as  thy  heart  is  base. 

Mich,  {choking  with  rage).  How,  how? 

You  wrong  me,  princess.  As  my  wife  and  empress, 

Placed  on  Byzantium’s  throne  — 

“ - “  ’T  was  I  who  killed  king  Edward , 

But  ’ t  was  those  heavenly  eyes  which  set  me  on.” 

Richard  III. 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA, 


11 


Adel.  { ironically ).  Byzantium’s  throne ? 

0,  fair  and  tempting  gift  !  0,  generous  proffer  ! 

Yet,  while  you  make  it,  ’twere  as  well,  methinks. 

Did  you  reflect,  unless  by  Guiscard’s  valor, 

Byzantium’s  throne  will  not  be  yours  to  give. 

Then  pardon,  mighty  prince,  if  I  decline 
These  gracious  offers  ;  if  I  dare  prefer 
Glory  with  Guiscard  to  contempt  with  thee, 

And  think  that  he  who  succors  banished  kings 

Is  nobler  than  a  king  whose  crimes  have  banished.  (  Crosses  to  R.  H.) 
Mich.  Proud  woman,  darest  thou  — 

Adel.  ( with  a  commanding  air).  Hold  !  for  Imma’s  sake 
Two  days  I  give  thee  to  provide  some  refuge  : 

So  long  I  ’ll  hide  thy  fault  from  Guiscard’s  vengeance  ; 

But  on  the  third  this  scroll  — 

Mich.  I  thank  you,  princess, 

And  for  two  days  shall  count  my  life  secure, 

Depending  on  a  woman’s  silence. 

0,  I  could  dash  my  front  on  earth  for  trusting 

To  woman’s  gratitude  or  woman’s  sense  !  ( Crosses  to  R.  h.) 

Adel.  { calmly ).  Thus  ever  rail  their  tongues  at  female  judgment. 
Who  want  that  worth  which  merits  female  love. 

But  thou,  ne’er  seeking  love,  content  with  pleasure, 

Curst  with  indulgence  of  each  vain  caprice. 

Suspecting  treason  e’en  on  beauty’s  bosom. 

And  tasting  poison  in  each  honeyed  kiss, 

May’st  thou  still  think  all  women  false  and  light. 

Incapable  of  faith,  unfit  for  trust. 

And  born  to  be  man’s  slave,  not  man’s  companion. 

Such  may  they  think  us  still,  who  act  like  thee  ; 

I  cannot  wish  them  worse  than  such  to  think  us. 

Imma  { without ,  r.  h.).  Speed,  princess,  speed  ! 

Adel .  Hark  !  Imma  comes. 

Enter  Imma,  r.  h.  1  e. 

Im.  0,  speed ! 

Swift  cuts  a  bark  the  billows,  and  the  shores  (  Crosses  to  l.  h.) 

Groan  with  the  throng  of  anxious  citizens. 

Shall  we  not  hasten  — 

Adel.  On  before,  sweet  maid. 

I  ’ll  follow  straight.  [ Exit  Imma,  l.  h.  1  e. 

Adel,  {in  a  decided  tone).  Forget  not  what  I ’ve  said, 

Nor  brave  the  lightnings  of  my  hero’s  eye. 

Two  rules  are  Guiscard’s  ;  ne’er  to  sin  himself, 

And  ne’er  to  pardon  others  when  they  sin. 

Then  dread  to  meet  his  wrath  ;  be  timely  prudent  ; 

Fly  with  thy  shameful  secret,  fly  and  live. 

Farewell.  (  Crosses  l.  h.) 

Mich.  And  thou  who  speak’st  so  stern  and  high, 

Dost  thou  not  fear  that  — 

Adel.  I  fear  thee  ?  0,  no  ! 

Salerno’s  daughter  was  not  born  to  fear  ! 

Mich.  Salerno’s  daughter  ?  {Starting.) 


12 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  II. 


Adel .  Ay  ;  that  name  it  seems 
Has  reached  your  hearing  !  then,  I  need  not  add, 

Dishonor  and  that  name  have  still  been  strangers. 

And  she,  whose  veins  can  boast  that  hero’s  blood, 

And  she,  whose  heart  retains  that  hero’s  lessons, 

Rest  thou  assured,  thinks  nothing  bright  but  virtue, 

And  nothing  dreadful  but  disgrace.  [Exit,  L.  h.  1  E. 

Mich,  Salerno’s  daughter  ?  should  it  be  —  Dercetus  ! 

Enter  Dercetus,  r.  h.  1  e. 

Der.  My  prince  ! 

Mich.  Those  letters  which  the  dying  Norman 
Gave  to  thy  care  in  Astra’s  wood  —  thou  hast  them  ? 

Der.  The  portrait  too  — 

Mich .  A  portrait  ?  find  it  straight, 

And  bring  it  to  my  chamber  —  speed,  Dercetus  ! 

[ Exit  Dercetus,  r.  h.  1  e. 
Mich,  [alone).  Each  fresh  reflection  gives  my  hopes  fresh  vigor  ; 
And  if  those  hopes  prove  just,  the  game ’s  my  own. 

Compelled  to  silence  —  suppliant  for  my  mercy  — 

My  rival  dead  —  but  how  ?  that  young  Lothair  — 

’T  is  plain  his  heart  is  Imma’s.  Could  I  win  him  — 

Why  doubt  it  ?  may  not  all  be  won  ?  and  has  not 
Each  man  his  price  for  those  who  choose  to  pay  it  ? 

When  offers  fail,  virtue ’s  not  strong  —  but  dear  ; 

And  that  stern  honor,  which  disdains  a  dukedom, 

A  sceptre  shown,  will  bow  and  take  the  bribe.  [Exit,  R.  h.  1  E. 


ACT  II. 

SCENE  I.  —  Gothic  Chamber,  1  G.  — A  sofa  on  R.  H. 
Enter  Imma,  r.  h.  1  e. 

Imma.  He ’s  safe  !  he ’s  well  !  0  happy,  happy  Imma  ! 

He ’s  safe  !  he ’s  well  !  flow,  dews  of  rapture,  flow  ! 

Yet  is  ’t  real  ? 

Is ’t  not  a  dream,  a  charm,  a  fairy  fiction  ? 

0,  Heaven,  I  fear  it !  still  then  breathe,  my  lips. 

To  hush  my  doubts,  those  words,  those  heavenly  words, 

“  He ’s  safe  !  he ’s  well !  ”  —  Hark,  hark  !  I  hear  his  footsteps  ! 
Lothair  ( without ,  l.  h.).  Imma  ! 

Im .  I  hear  his  voice  ! 

Enter  Lothair,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Loth,  [throwing  himself  at  her  feet).  My  princess  ! 

Im.  My  Lothair  !  [A  momenVs  pause.) 

Art  safe,  quite  safe,  Lothair?  (  Weeping.) 

Loth.  Eloquent  tears, 

What  words  could  speak  your  meaning  ?  Safe,  sweet,  safe, 

And  Imma’s  still,  and  ever,  ever  Imma’s.  [Rises.) 

You  ask  not  of  Durazzo’s  fight? 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELG1TIIA. 


13 


Im.  I  see  thee, 

And,  having  thee,  have  all  !  Yet  say  !  brave  Guiscard  — 

Loth.  Is  safe,  my  love  ;  is  conqueror  of  Durazzo  ; 

And,  ere  the  sun  ascends  his  mid-day  chariot, 

The  hero’s  keel  will  bite  Otranto’s  shore. 

Im.  Blest  be  those  words  for  Adelgitha’s  sake  ! 

Loth.  E’en  now  I  left  her  — -  hadst  thou  seen  her  rapture  — 
Such  tears  —  such  sobs  —  while,  ever  and  anon. 

She  thanked  Heaven’s  grace,  too  bounteous  to  its  handmaid, 

Then  bade  her  damsels  bring  her  nuptial  robes, 

Throw  wide  her  castle-gates  to  mirth  and  feasting, 

And  still  exclaimed,  “  Rejoice,  rejoice,  Apulia  ! 

Your  hero  lives,  has  conquered,  and  returns  !  ” 

Im.  Sure,  none  e’er  felt  more  love. 

Loth.  Sure,  none  e’er  gave  it 
To  one  more  worthy  !  0,  that  great,  proud  day, 

When,  scared  by  Grecian  fire  and  hostile  myriads, 

Our  troops  resolved  to  raise  Durazzo’s  siege, 

And  thronged  to  gain  their  vessels,  swift  as  lightning 
Flew  Guiscard  to  the  crowded  port,  and,  dashing 
The  foremost  rebel  back,  — -  “  Turn,  turn  !  ”  he  cried  ; 

“  Shame  to  the  vanquished  !  to  the  victors  glory  ! 

No  flight  !  no  refuge  !  no  resource  but  triumph  ! 

Normans,  you  conquer  here,  or  die  !  ”  he  said  ; 

Then  hurled  a  firebrand  midst  the  fleet,  and  swiftly 
Spread  the  devouring  flames  from  ship  to  ship. 

Each  trembled,  each  turned  pale,  till  each  and  all. 

Fired  by  the  hero’s  fire,  with  one  accord 

Brandished  their  swords,  struck  their  broad  shields,  and  shouted, 
“  Right,  Guiscard,  right  !  we  ’ll  conquer  here,  or  die  !  ” 

Im.  ’T  was  bravely  dared  ;  but,  to  my  ears,  Lothair, 

The  tale  of  war  still  bears  a  painful  sound. 

I  see  in  captured  towns  but  mangled  corses  ; 

I  hear  in  victory’s  shouts  but  dying  groans  ; 

And  think  one  flower  from  pity’s  wreath  more  precious 
Than  laurel  groves  watered  with  tears  of  blood. 

Your  prince  is  great,  is  good.  I  own  his  virtues  ; 

But  still  those  virtues  wear  so  stern  an  aspect  — 

Loth.  Stern  to  the  wicked,  lenient  to  the  weak. 

Im.  Ah,  friend,  thy  partial  eyes  — 

Loth.  No,  princess,  jao  ! 

Judge  by  this  fact.  That  day  we  forced  Durazzo, 

While  war  yet  raged,  the  streets  all  ran  with  blood. 

And  blazing  towers  crushed  in  their  fall  alike 

The  victors  and  the  vanquished,  ’mid  the  tumult 

A  fierce  Varangian  from  its  mother’s  arms 

Had  torn  a  new-born  babe.  Wild  shrieked  the  matron 

To  Heaven  for  aid  — 

Im.  Alas  ! 

Loth.  Nor  shrieked  in  vain, 

For  Guiscard  heard  her  !  To  the  tower  he  flew, 

And,  while  his  left  hand  caught  the  child,  his  right 
2 


14 


ADELGITHA. 


[act  n. 


Seized  by  his  yellow  locks  the  wild  barbarian, 

And  hurled  him  from  the  walls.  Next  with  his  scarf 
Did  Guiscard  bind  the  babe’s  slight-wounded  throat, 

And  gently  on  its  mother’s  breast  replaced  it. 

Wildly  she  caught  it,  sank  upon  her  knee, 

Traced  in  its  blood  a  cross  upon  its  brow, 

And  called  it  “  Guiscard!  ”  Then  his  great  heart  melted  ; 

His  stout  frame  trembled,  and  I  saw  tears  forcing 
Through  his  closed  helm  their  way.  By  Heaven  !  I  never 
Thought  strength  so  glorious  as  I  thought  his  weakness, 

Or  man  worth  envying  till  I  saw  those  tears  ! 

Im.  0,  lovely  act !  Hear  it,  ye  saints,  and  shower 
Celestial  blessings  on  that  hero’s  head  ! 

Michael  ( without ,  R.  h.)  Where  stays  the  knight? 

Im.  Hark,  ’t  is  my  father’s  voice  ; 

Dear  friend,  be  wary  ! 

Loth.  Fear  not. 

Enter  Michael  Ducas,  1  e.  r.  h. 

Mich,  (c.)  Ha,  Lothair  ! 

Your  mission,  warrior? 

Loth.  (l.  h.)  Mighty  lord,  from  Guiscard 
I  bring  glad  news  !  Byzantium ’s  free  —  the  usurper 
Fled  none  knows  whither  —  and  the  flag  of  Ducas 
Floats  from  Durazzo’s  towers.  My  prince  more  fully 
Details  in  these  his  victory.  ( Presenting  letters.) 

Mich.  How,  proud  youth? 

Methinks  Byzantium’s  lord  might  claim  thy  knee  ! 

Loth.  ( calm  and  firm).  Your  pardon,  emperor— •  ’t is  not  pride 
restrains  me, 

But  knightly  honor.  Ne’er  may  Normans  kneel 
Save  to  their  own  liege  lord  ;  nor  e’er  from  me 
Shall  foreign  king  receive  that  suppliant  homage, 

Sacred  to  Heaven,  my  mistress,  and  my  prince. 

Mich.  Ha  !  darest  thou,  haughty  stripling  — 

Im.  (r.  h.)  0,  best  father, 

Unbend  that  frowning  brow  !  He  meant  no  insult  ; 

And,  though  his  knee  withholds  its  show  of  duty, 

Lothair  would  die  to  serve  you  —  sooth  he  would. 

Mich,  (sternly).  Imma,  retire  ! 

Im.  Alas  !  have  I  offended  ? 

Nay,  pray  you  frown  not,  father  —  I  obey.  [Exit. 

Loth,  (aside ,  while  the  emperor  opens  his  letters).  In  grief  she  goes. 
(Looking  out.)  Gods  !  of  what  marble  must  that  man  be  framed. 
Who  feels  not  on  his  heart,  like  molten  lead, 

Each  tear  his  brutal  harshness  costs  a  woman  ?  — 

How ’s  this  ? 

Mich,  (furious).  Thou  strumpet,  Fortune, 

Wilt  thou  ne’er  blush  to  follow  Guiscard’s  car, 

Chained  like  his  slave  ?  Still  wilt  thou  shower  thy  laurels 
On  him,  and  none  but  him?  He  won  the  battle  ! 

He  seized  the  town  !  He  gives  me  back  my  kingdom  ! 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


15 


Ere  I  accept  his  gift  may  the  earth  open 

And  swallow  up  that  kingdom  !  May  Byzantium, 

The  day  he  crowns  me,  fall  on  him  and  me. 

And  one  vast  ruin  crush  us  ! 

Loth,  (aside).  What  can  mean 
This  strange  and  sudden  passion  ? 

Mich.  Hear  me,  youth  — 

Barest  thou  be  great,  be  happy  ?  Barest  thou  merit 
My  daughter’s  hand  ? 

Loth.  Great  prince  — 

Mich.  I  know  thou  lovest  her  : 

Barest  thou  deserve  her  ?  —  say. 

Loth.  Can  man  deserve 
So  bright  a  gem  ?  0,  if  he  can,  say  how  ! 

Thou  canst  not  say  what  I ’d  not  dare  for  Imma. 

Through  Arab  hosts  command  me  hew  my  passage, 

And  plant  the  cross  e’en  on  their  prophet’s  tomb  ; 

Brop,  where  Charybdis  foams,  your  crown,  and  bid  me 
Retrieve  it  from  the  whirlpool’s  ravenous  jaws  ; 

Name  aught  that ’s  strange  and  dire  —  some  wondrous  deed 
So  hard,  it  joins  in  one  the  Herculean  labors  ; 

So  dread,  its  mention  makes  the  hearer  faint  — 

Nor  doubt,  for  Imma’s  sake,  that  deed  I  ’ll  do. 

Or  perish  in  the  attempt. 

Mich.  Indeed  !  I  ’ll  try  thee.  — 

I  have  a  foe  — 

Loth,  (eagerly).  He  from  this  hour  is  mine. 

Mich.  He  must  not  live. 

Loth.  He  must  not,  or  Lothair. 

Beclare  your  wrongs,  his  name,  and  straight  I  ’ll  seek  him, 

And  hurl  defiance  in  his  face. 

Mich.  Rash  stripping, 

Thou  know’st  not  what  thou  say’st.  So  great  his  power, 

His  rank  so  lofty,  never  may  thine  arm 
Be  raised  ’gainst  his  in  combat. 

Loth.  What,  then,  would’st  thou? 

What  mean’ st  thou  I  should  do  ? 

Mich.  Surprise  him  sleeping, 

Plant  in  his  heart  thy  sword,  and  Imma ’s  thine. 

Loth,  (starting  in  horror).  Sleeping? 

Mich.  Straight  thy  crimson  hand 
Shall  clasp  my  daughter’s  and  Byzantium’s  sceptre. 

Speak  but  the  words,  “  He ’s  dead  ” — let  me  but  see 
Thy  limbs  dyed  ghastly  beauteous  in  the  blood 
Of  that  loathed  basilisk  — 

Loth.  Hold  !  name  him  not.  What  I  have  heard  thee  say 
Would  now  compel  me  to  espouse  his  cause. 

Farewell !  (Crosses  l.  h.) 

Mich.  Stay,  youth  —  reflect,  a  crown  invites  thee, 

A  crown  and  Imma.  Be  wise,  be  wise  ! 

Loth.  Wise,  say’st  thou?  Prince,  I  will  be  ; 

Since  he  shows  wisdom  most  who  most  loves  virtue. 


16 


ADELGITHA. 


[act  n. 


That  narrow  cunning,  whose  short  sight  ne’er  looks 

Beyond  this  orb  and  present  bliss,  perhaps 

Might  count  these  offers  tempting  ;  but  true  wisdom. 

Whose  prescient  eye,  o’erleaping  time  and  space, 

Descries  new  worlds,  pure  joys,  and  life  eternal  ; 

This  makes  me  feel  man’s  heaven  or  hell  is  conscience  ; 

This  makes  me  feel  that,  robbed  of  truth  and  honor, 

Life’s  charms  are  lost  ;  and  that,  if  guilt ’s  the  price, 

E’en  Imma’s  heart  would  be  too  dearly  purchased. 

Mich.  Think  what  thou  wert  —  a  nameless,  base-born  orphan  ; 
Think  what  thou  ’rt  now  —  a  wandering  knight,  whose  sword 
Must  carve  his  fortune,  or  he  fasts  for ’t.  Gods  ! 

And  must  thou  prate  of  guilt,  and  bliss,  and  conscience? 

Must  thou  be  delicate,  thou  foundling,  thou  ? 

’T  is  ludicrous  —  away  ! 

Loth.  I  hear,  and  pity 

The  man  whose  pride  it  soothes  to  wound  a  worm. 

Heaven  pardon  you,  as  I  do  !  To  the  point : 

Proudly  you  ask  me  what  I  was  ?  I  answer, 

“  Born  to  be  that  which  thou  wert  born  to  be  — 

A  man  !  ”  Again  you  ask  me  what  I ’m  now  ? 

I  answer,  “  that  which  all  admire  —  a  soldier  !  ” 

Nor  can  I  think  it  blasts  a  soldier’s  courage 
To  own  he  dares  not  do  an  act  of  shame. 

Mich.  Vile  thing  !  such  notions  leave 
The  stock  from  which  you  sprang  no  longer  doubtful. 

Base  were  your  parents,  as  your  feelings  base. 

Loth.  ’T  would  sooner  strike  a  generous  mind,  methinks. 

Not  what  my  parents  were,  but  what  I  am. 

You  boast  a  race  by  ancestors  ennobled  ; 

I  boast  a  name  ennobled  by  myself. 

Pure  from  all  flaws,  and  sacred  from  corruption, 

Read  honor’s  patent  written  in  this  scar, 

Received  while  fighting  by  my  sovereign’s  side. 

Who  dates  his  line  from  Egypt’s  earliest  kings, 

May  boast  more  ancient  titles,  none  more  glorious  ; 

Nor  can  a  monarch’s  veins  hold  nobler  blood 
Than  flowed  from  mine  in  service  of  my  country. 

Mich.  Hence,  slave,  nor  tease  me  with  this  cant  !  I  hate  thee  ! 
Loth.  If  for  such  thoughts  you  hate  me,  prince,  I  know  not 
If  most  you  merit  pity  or  contempt.  ( Horn  sounds ,  l.  h.  u.  e.) 

But  hark  !  the  warder  from  the  beacon  tower 
Speaks  Guiscard’s  fleet  in  sight.  I  go  to  join  him  ; 

Yet,  ere  I  leave  thee,  learn  this  truth  from  me  : 

To  love  is  happiness  ;  to  hate  is  woe  ! 

And  while  such  actions  as  deserve  to  win 
Thy  heart’s  affections,  make  it  swell  with  venom, 

Thou  canst  not  find  worse  foes  than  thine  own  passions, 

Nor  torture  others  as  spite  tortures  thee.  [Exit,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Mich.  Braved  by  this  froward  boy?  Shame  and  confusion  ! 

Yet  ’twas  ill-judged  to  urge.  Now  —  now,  Dercetus  ! 


SCENE  n.J 


ADELG1THA. 


17 


Enter  Dercetus,  r.  h.  1  e. 

Mich.  That  portrait  —  quick  ! 

Der .  5T  is  here.  (  Giving  it. ) 

Mich.  By  heavens,  the  same  ! 

’T  is  well  —  retire.  [ Exit  Dercetus,  r.  h.  1  E. 

Now  ’scape  me  if  thou  canst, 

Imperious  dame  !  This  proof  secures  thee  mine  ! 

Yes,  since  I  hold  her  secret,  she  ’ll  be  silent  ; 

For  interest’s  chains,  though  fine,  are  formed  so  binding, 

Their  strength  can  fetter  e’en  a  woman’s  tongue.*  [Exit,  R.  H.  1  E. 

SCENE  II.  —  The  Port  of  Otranto ,  6  g.  —  An  extensive  view  over 
the  Adriatic  Gulf.  —  Citizens  and  peasants ,  of  both  sexes ,  are 
grouped  in  attitudes  of  expectation.  —  Shouts,  as  scene  opens . 

CHORUS. 

Smile,  Apulia,  smile  once  more  ! 

All  thy  grief  and  fears  are  o’er  — 

Guiscard’s  galley  seeks  thy  shore  $ 

Smile,  Apulia,  smile  once  more  ! 

{The fleet  traverses  the  background.) 

FEMALE  PEASANTS. 

Valor  now  his  strength  reposes  ; 

War  at  length  has  smoothed  his  frown  ; 

Duteous  love,  with  freshest  roses, 

Wreathes  the  victor’s  laurel  crown. 

(  The  bugle  sounds,  4  e.  r.  hA 
chorus. 

Grateful  prayers  to  heaven  ascend  ! 

Shouts  of  joy  the  welkin  rend  ; 

While  in  Guiscard’s  name  we  blend 
Hero,  patriot,  Sovereign,  friend  l 

Enter  Lothaib,  l.  h.  1  e. 

{As  the  Chorus  ends  a  galley  arrives  from  l.  h. — Guiscard 
stands  on  the  deck ,  attended  by  Tancred,  Rainulf,  and 
knights.  —  All  land.) 

Adelgitha  enters,  richly  dressed,  with  ladies  and  attendants , 

1  E.  R.  H. 

Adel.  Guiscard  ! 

Guis.  My  Adelgitha  ! 

Adel.  (r.  c.)  Welcome,  conqueror  ; 

Welcome  to  this  fond  heart  !  0,  Heaven,  how  bravely 

The  warrior  looks,  from  foreign  wars  returned, 

When  propped  upon  his  sword,  with  blood  incrusted, 


*  The  offer  made  by  Michael  Ducas  to  Lothair  resembles  that  of  Bajazet  to  Axalla 
in  Tamerlane  *,  but  it  appeared  to  me  that  the  circumstance  of  Axalla’s  princely 
rank,  and  of  Lothair’s  obscure  origin,  gave  so  different  a  turn  to  the  two  scenes, 
that  I  did  not  think  it  necessary  to  alter  mine,  merely  on  account  of  the  similarity  of 
the  situations.  I  dare  not  conclude  this  note  without  expressing  a  hope  that  no 
good-natured  critic  will  accuse  me  of  presumptuously  intending  to  enter  into  a  com¬ 
petition  with  Rowe. 

2*  ♦ 


18 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  IL 


He  tells  his  country,  “  Rest,  loved  parent,  rest  ! 

Thy  son  has  toiled,  and  thou  may’st  sleep  securely.” 

My  prince,  my  hero  ! 

Guis.  (l.  c.)  Nor  at  Bari’s  siege 
Looked  she  less  glorious,  who  descried  the  javelin 
Aimed  at  her  husband’s  breast,  and,  rushing  forwards. 

Received  it  in  her  own  !  then  — 

Adel.  Silence,  silence  ! 

Guis.  Then  tearing  from  her  wound  the  dart,  she  kissed  it, 
Fainted,  yet  fainting  smiled,  and,  smiling,  cried, 

“  Happy  she  dies,  who  dies  to  save  her  husband  !  ” 

Adel.  Blest  am  I  that  I  did  so.  0,  that  moment 
Was  worth  my  whole  past  life  ;  nor  would  I  barter 
The  scar  that  wound  has  left  for  all  the  gems 
Which  ocean’s  waves  have  buried. 

Guis.  Noble  creature  ! 

How,  how  have  I  deserved  so  rich  a  treasure  ?  ( Embracing  her.) 

Enter  Michael  Ducas,  and  four  guards ,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Michael  (aside).  Ay,  seize  the  present  hour  ;  ere  long  I  ’ll  dash 
Your  cup  of  joy  with  bitter.  Hail,  Apulia  ! 

I  come  to  thank  thee  ;  but  so  vast  thy  claims, 

No  words  can  pay  my  debt. 

Favors  less  great,  I  own,  would  please  me  better, 

And  my  soul  shrinks  to  count  my  obligations. 

Guis.  The  man  who  boasts  a  generous  heart  ne’er  grudges 
That  bliss  to  others  which  himself  esteems 
Purest  and  best —  the  bliss  of  doing  good. 

Think  thus,  Byzantium  ;  nor  is ’t  much  I  give  thee  ; 

’T  is  but  thine  own,  no  more  ;  Durazzo’s  thine, 

And  soon  the  Grecian  crown  — 

Mich.  0,  generous  spirit, 

Which  gives  a  crown  as ’t  were  an  orange  !  Shame 
Its  fire  should  only  warm  Apulia’s  rocks  ! 

Unsheathe  thy  sword  ;  drag  from  his  diamond  throne 
Arabia’s  lord,  and  make  his  neck  thy  footstool. 

Thou  need’st  but  will  it,  and  ’t  is  done. 

Guis.  No,  emperor, 

I  ’ve  nor  the  power  nor  will.  Be  mine  to  rule 
Not  kingdoms  widely  stretched,  but  justly  governed  : 

Few  be  my  subjects,  so  those  few  be  happy  ; 

And,  if  their  hearts  be  mine,  I ’ve  realms  enough. 

Here  break  we  off  — 

(To  Adelgitiia,  who ,  during  these  speeches ,  seems  to  welcome  the 
knights.) 

Best  love,  I  marvel  much 
You  ask  not  of  that  danger  — 

Adel,  (alarmed).  How  —  what  danger? 

Guis.  Thou  hast  not  heard,  then  ?  — 

Adel.  Nothing. 

Guis.  Mark,  then,  — 

Mark  and  admire.  Hot  was  the  fight  —  death  ranged 


SCENE  II.] 


ADELCITHA. 


19 


Insatiate  o’er  the  field,  and  his  white  courser 
Dyed  its  mane  red  in  blood.  Darts  hid  the  sun, 

And  one  transfixed  my  steed.  He  fell. 

Adel.  0,  heavens  ! 

Guis.  Fell,  and  the  usurper  marked  his  fall.  He  reached  me  — 

I  saw  his  falchion  gleam.  ’T  was  raised  —  one  moment. 

And  all  was  lost ;  when,  lo  !  a  youth  — 

Adel.  A  youth  ? 

Guis.  Sprang  from  his  horse,  bestrode  me.  Fierce  as  guards 
Her  young  the  tigress,  dealt  he  blows  around  : 

Now  here,  now  there,  on  this  side  and  on  that, 

Till  his  true  sword  cut  through  the  usurper’s  casque. 

Who,  on  his  courser’s  neck,  sank  senseless. 

Adel.  Gods  ! 

Guis.  Then  fled  the  Greeks  full  fast.  The  stripling  raised  me, 
Gave  me  his  steed,  regained  Durazzo,  scaled 
Its  walls,  unbarred  the  ponderous  gates,  and  bade 
The  imperial  flag  stream  from  its  towers,  loud  shouting, 

“  Reign,  long  reign  Michael  Ducas  !  ” 

Adel.  0,  blest  youth  ! 

0,  gallant  bearing  !  tell  me,  my  dear  lord, 

What  happy  mother  boasts  so  brave  a  son  ? 

How  may  I  thank  him  best?  0,  name  him,  name  him  ! 

Guis.  {smiling).  That  youth  —  behold  him  in  Lothair  ! 

Adel.  Was ’the? 

0,  heart  —  was  ’t  he,  indeed  ? 

Guis.  He,  none  but  he, 

Whom  Adelgitha  placed  about  my  person, 

And  whom  she  now  must  thank  for  Guiscard’s  life. 

Advance,  brave  youth  ! 

Adel,  {while  Lothair  kneels  to  her).  I  fostered,  reared  and  loved 
thee. 

If  thou  hast  cost  me  care,  or  ow’dst  me  duty, 

Thou  hast  discharged  thy  debt.  — 

{She  takes  a  chain  with  a  cross  from  her  neck ,  and  throws  it  round 
Lothair’s.) 

Still  wear  this  jewel  ; 

And,  while ’t  is  yours,  remember,  when  I  gave  it 
I  blest  the  hour  that  you  received  existence, 

Since  you  have  lived  to  rescue  Guiscard’s  life. 

Mich,  {aside).  Now  should  she  weep.  Right — what  exhaustless 
rivers 

Must  female  eyes  contain  ! 

Loth.  I  fain  would  thank  thee  — 

But  my  full  heart —  {Rising.)  0,  honored,  happy  Guiscard  ! 

1  ’ll  call  from  Heaven  no  blessings  on  thy  head  ; 

Thou  hast  them  all,  possessing  Adelgitha. 

He,  on  whom  Heaven  bestows  a  wife  like  her, 

Whate’er  his  merits,  must  be  still  o’erpaid. 

Mich.  This  praise  so  fervent  — 

Loth.  Can  I  praise  her  coldly, 

When  that  I  live  and  that  I  merit  life 


20 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  II. 


Are  both  her  gifts  ?  Left  at  her  father’s  gate 
A  speechless  orphan  — 

Adel.  { to  Loth  air).  Cease,  nor  blame  that  virtue 
So  nice,  to  hear  even  praise  too  warm  offends  it. 

{Ironically ,  to  Michael.)  0,  sir,  ’t  were  excellent  did  all,  like  you, 
Inculcate  morals  which,  like  you,  they  practised  ! 

Mich.  Such  praise  outstrips  my  merit.  {Aside.)  By  yon  sun, 

I  ’ll  be  revenged,  insulter  ! 

Enter  Julian,  1  e.  r.  h. 

Julian  {to  Guiscard,  who  has  been  talking  with  Tancred,  fyc.). 
Prince,  the  council  — 

Guis.  I  come  —  Lothair,  attend  me.  For  a  while 
Farewell,  best  love  !  Warriors,  farewell,  and,  trust  me, 

The  memory  of  your  faith  shall  live  unfading 
In  Guiscard’s  grateful  heart.  Well  have  ye  served  me  ; 

And,  while  Apulia  boasts  such  sons,  her  genius, 

Though  hostile  myriads  storm  her  sea-beat  coasts, 

Shall  hear  them  threaten  with  a  smile  of  scorn, 

Then  with  her  trident  plunge  them  in  the  billows. 

Those  swords,  which  struck  so  hard  in  foreign  lands. 

Shall  strike  with  tenfold  strength  to  guard  their  own  ; 

And,  here  I  swear,  while  Guiscard  rules  Apulia, 

Still  shall  each  soldier  say,  who  draws  his  sword, 

“  My  country ’s  free  ;  my  sovereign ’s  kind  and  grateful  ; 

His  cause  is  just  —  and  yonder ’s  one  loves  justice.” 

[Exit  with  Lothair  and  knights ,  1  e.  r.  h.,  peasants ,  <§•£.,  2  E.  L.  H» 
Adel,  {going).  My  gallant  Guiscard  ! 

Mich.  Lady,  stay,  and  deign 
Some  moments’  audience  ;  but  alone. 

Adel,  {to  her  attendants ,  who  go  off ,  r.  h.)  Withdraw. 

{To  Michael,  coldly.)  Speak,  and  be  brief. 

Mich,  {hypocritically).  0,  princely  dame,  unbend 
That  gloomy  brow  !  Thou  seest  thy  virtue’s  convert. 

Grateful  you  ’ve  spared  him  that  remorse  which  tortures 
Those  who  pollute  the  shrine  of  female  honor. 

I ’ve  witnessed  that  remorse  ;  that  dying  knight  — 

Adel.  What  knight  ? 

Mich.  Some  years  are  past,  since,  at  the  chase 
In  Astra’s  wood  I  lost  my  way.  Dercetus 
Alone  pursued  my  steps  —  night’s  shades  were  rising, 

When,  lo  !  a  groan.  We  hastened  to  the  place  — 

A  knight  lay  stabbed  by  robbers.  “  Come,”  he  cried, 

“  Strangers,  approach  ;  and,  while  I ’ve  breath  to  tell  it. 

Hear  the  confession  of  a  guilty  man, 

And  vouch  for  his  remorse.”  0,  then  he  told 
A  tale  so  sad  !  —  A  maid  of  noble  birth 
By  solemn  vows  seduced,  abandoned,  left 
To  shame  and  anguish  —  heavy  at  that  hour 
Sat  on  his  soul  her  wrongs  ;  he  charged  us  find  her. 

Restore  her  letters,  paint  his  grief,  and  bid  her 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


21 


Pray  for  the  sinful  soul  of  George  of  Clermont  !  — 

The  tale  affects  you,  princess. 

Adel.  ( endeavoring  to  hide  her  emotion).  Well  it  may  ; 

I  cannot  choose  —  but  pity  —  that  sad  lady. 

Mich.  What,  pity  her,  whose  guilty  heart  has  revelled 
In  wanton  love  and  pleasure’s  wild  excess  ? 

Perhaps  her  slips  of  youth  forgot,  on  others 
Those  fetters  now  she  binds  she  broke  herself ; 

Perhaps  she  rules  some  fond  believing  husband, 

Who  thinks  her  now  a  saint  ;  but,  when  he  knows  her. 

He  ’ll  throw  her  from  his  bosom  like  a  scorpion  ; 

And  I  'll  unmask  — 

Adel,  (hastily).  The  warrior  named  her  not  ? 

Mich.  Name  her?  ’t  was  needless  ;  for  the  damsel’s  letters. 

So  fond,  so  sad,  so  full  of  passion  ;  speaking 
In  every  line  her  love  and  shame  so  plainly  !  — 

This  picture,  too,  though  seventeen  years  since  then 
Have  winged  their  flight,  this  swan-like  neck  must  still 
Be  arched  and  fair  ;  still  must  these  lips  of  coral 
Swell  ripe  and  full  ;  nor  can  these  eyes  have  lost 
All  their  dark  brilliance.  —  Please  you  look,  fair  princess  ! 

Nay,  look,  I  pray  ! 

(Forcing  her  to  look  at  the  picture.  —  She  casts  a  hasty  glance 
on  it,  and  starts  away  in  terror .  —  He  proceeds,  in  a  tone  of 
ironical  softness.) 

It  seems  you  know  these  features. 

(In  a  terrible  voice ,  while  he  grasps  her  by  the  arm.)  Now  scorn  me 
if  thou  darest  !  (Exit,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Adel,  (after  a  pause,  during  which  she  seems  petrified  with  horror , 
looks  round  her  with  a  confused  air ,  then  strikes  her  forehead, 
and  exclaims  like  one  in  despair).  1  ’m  lost  !  I ’m  lost  ! 

TABLEAU. 

END  OF  ACT  II. 


ACT  III. 

SCENE  I.  —  The  Palace  Gardens,  4  G.  —  On  r.  h.  a  bank.  —  The 
castle  towers  are  seen  through  the  trees  in  the  background. 

Adegitha,  much  agitated,  enters  with  a  letter,  followed  by  Claudia 
and  Dercetus,  1  e.  r.  h. 

Adelgitha  (to  herself).  This,  this  to  me?  (To  Dercetus.)  ’T  is 
well  ;  inform  thy  lord 

Claudia  shall  bear  my  answer.  (Aside.)  Fiend  !  barbarian  ! 

Dercetus.  Humbly  I  take  my  leave.  [Exit,  1  e.  r.  h. 

Adel,  (giving  way  to  her  emotion).  0,  Claudia,  Claudia, 

I ’m  lost,  betrayed  ! 

Claudia.  Most  cruel  chance  which  threw  you 
Defenceless  in  his  power  ! 


22 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  III. 


Adel.  Read  there,  and  learn 
His  insults  and  my  danger. 

Claud,  {looking  on  the  letter).  How?  an  audience  — 

Alone  —  within  twelve  hours  —  else,  threats  that  Guiscard 
Shall  know  — 

Adel,  {in  despair).  There,  there,  shall  know,  shall  scorn,  shall 
hate  me  ! 

Claud.  I  trust  not  so.  Your  heart-felt  deep  contrition  — 

Your  charms,  your  worth,  his  passion,  all  will  plead. 

Adel.  Thou  think  so,  thou  who  know’st  him  ?  know’st  the  value 
He  sets  on  female  honor  ?  No,  I  ’m  lost  ! 

Claud.  What  must  be  done  ?  This  scroll  — 

Thou  dar’st  not  disobey  it  ! 

Adel.  True  ;  I  dare  not. 

Hence  with  these  doubts  !  I  ’ll  meet  him  ! 

Claud.  How  ? 

Adel.  I  ’ll  meet  him, 

Sink  at  his  feet,  bathe  them  with  tears,  implore  him 
To  spare  a  frantic  wretch  ;  and,  if  he  spurns 
Me  and  my  griefs  — 

Claud.  What  wilt  thou  then  do  ? 

Adel.  Die  ! 

Die,  Claudia,  die  !  Yes,  let  the  worst  befall  me, 

That  last  resource  is  left  me  still  —  a  dagger  ! 

Better  cease  to  feel,  than  feel  to  suffer  ; 

And  death ’s  less  painful  than  a  life  of  shame. 

Ye  powers,  who  read  the  human  soul,  and  long  have  read 
Remorse  in  mine,  melt  ye  his  marble  heart  ! 

Claud.  Heaven  grant  it  !  Yet  this  conference  —  such  close  parley. 
Such  frequent  meetings,  well  may  raise  suspicion  — 

Adel,  {alarmed).  True,  true. 

Claud.  Should  any  curious  ear  surprise 
Your  converse  — 

Adel.  I  were  lost ! 

Claud.  A  private  passage 
Leads  to  St.  Hilda’s  cave  — 

Adel.  Right  !  there  securely  — 

Unseen  —  unheard  —  0,  shame  !  and  shall  I  steal 
From  Guiscard’s  sight  to  meet  the  wretch  who  dared 
Insult  my  hearing  ?  Though  the  skies  rained  fire 
I  would  not  !  Lo,  where  Guiscard  comes  ;  and,  surely, 

In  search  of  me.  0,  in  that  hour  I  see 

Those  eyes,  which  seek  me  now,  contemptuous  shun  me, 

If  I  ’ve  a  dagger  and  a  heart,  I  swear 
That  hour ’s  my  last  ! 

Claud.  0,  Heaven  ! 

Adel,  {firmly).  ’T  is  said,  ’t  is  sworn  ! 

I  cannot,  will  not  live  unloved  by  Guiscard. 

Could  he  forgive  —  who  knows  ?  Twelve  years  of  truth. 

Of  lasting  love,  and  deep  remorse  —  I  ’ll  dare  it. 

Claud.  What  mean’st  thou  ? 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELG1THA. 


23 


Adel.  ’T  is  the  crisis  of  my  fate. 

I ’m  desperate,  Claudia,  desperate  —  leave  me,  leave  me  ! 

[ Exit  Claudia,  1  e.  r.  h. 

Enter  Guiscard,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Guis.  (l.  h.)  At  length  I  ’m  free.  How  tedious  seemed  the  duties 
Which  kept  me  from  thy  sight !  but  now  once  more 
I  live  for  love  and  thee.  Why  darts  thine  eye 
That  piercing  glance  as  it  would  search  my  soul  ? 

Speak,  my  best  love. 

Adel .  (r.  h.)  Thou  hast  a  heart,  my  Guiscard  ; 

Firm,  generous,  just  — 

Guis .  That  heart  is  Adelgitha’s. 

Adel .  Not  virtue’s  more  ? 

Guis .  Not  more  ;  as  much  :  for  surely 
Virtue  and  Adelgitha  form  but  one. 

Adel.  0,  would  that  now  thy  heart  were  mine,  mine  wholly  ! 

Then  pity’s  sighs  should  drown  the  voice  of  justice, 

And  angry  honor’s  flame  be  quenched  with  tears. 

Guis .  What  means  that  wish  ?  Thou  surely  wouldst  not  plead 
The  cause  of  vice  ? 

Adel.  I  ’d  plead  the  cause  of  weakness. 

Guis.  Whose  cause? 

Adel .  A  woman’s  and  a  wretch. 

Guis.  What  asks  she  ? 

Adel.  Peace,  honor,  life  — and  hopes  them  all  from  thee! 

Guis .  From  me  ?  More  plainly  speak. 

Adel.  Among  my  damsels 
Is  one,  whose  faults  of  youth  I  blush  to  name. 

When  on  her  cheek  sixteen  had  scarcely  shed 
The  bright  reflection  of  its  roseate  wings, 

While  yet  she  knew  not  guile,  but  thought  mankind 
Pure  as  her  heart  —  for  then  her  heart  was  pure  — 

A  wounded  youth  beneath  her  father’s  roof 

Found  kind  protection.  Long  she  nursed  him,  watched  him. 

Pitied  and  soothed  ;  and,  when  she  saw  him  suffer. 

The  fond  thing  wept  herself.  He  was  a  villain  ! 

Prayers,  sighs,  tears,  oaths,  nothing  was  spared  to  win  her. 

She  listened  and  believed  !  Her  heart  was  weak  — 

She  fell  ;  his  heart  was  false  —  he  fled  ! 

Guis.  Best  love, 

Thy  story  both  affects  and  pains.  0,  spare  me 
The  tale  of  sorrows  which  admit  no  cure  ! 

Her  doom  is  fixed  ;  no  power  can  now  recall  it. 

Honor,  like  life,  once  lost,  is  lost  forever  ! 

Adel.  0,  doom  too  harsh, 

Which  bars  out  hope,  and  seals  the  lips  of  mercy  ! 

If  all  think  thus,  what  then  avails  repentance  ? 

Why  waste  brief  life  in  tears  ? 

Guis.  Were  this  life 

The  only  life,  perhaps ’t  were  wisely  argued. 

But  there ’s  another  world,  more  good,  more  happy, 


24 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  III. 


And  hours  of  pain  are  paid  with  heavenly  bliss 
And  life  eternal. 

But  to  thy  damsel’s  tale.  Her  lover  tied  — 

Adel.  Remorse  ne’er  left  her  more  —  and  0,  such  anguish  — 

Such  floods  of  tears  — 

Guis.  I  fear  they  flowed  not  long  ; 

Who  once  has  fallen  will  fall  again  ;  and  soon, 

No  doubt,  the  tears  which  her  first  lover  caused  her, 

Some  second  kissed  away. 

Adel.  No,  Guiscard,  no  ! 

Though  suitors  young,  and  fair,  and  rich,  and  noble, 

Sighed  at  her  feet,  and  vowed  themselves  her  subjects, 

As  Dian’s  statue  cold  she  heard  their  suit, 

And  for  that  false  one’s  sake  rejected  all. 

But  then  came  one 

So  past  all  praise,  so  perfect  !  —  whom  to  see 
And  love  was  equal.  This  wondrous  man  — 

Born  to  be  loved  and  love  —  this  man,  o’er  whom 
You  hold  much  power  — 

Guis.  Ha  !  no  —  thou  canst  not  mean  it  — 

Thou  canst  not  wish  I  should  exert  that  power 
To  place  pollution  in  his  arms,  and  bind 
With  Hymen’s  sacred  bands  a  wanton’s  temples. 

She  loves,  thou  say’st  —  dares  love  a  man  of  honor? 

Were  she  his  wife  — 

Adel.  She  is  !  ( Hastily ,  and  with  great  emotion.) 

Guis.  What  !  —  holds  my  court 
One  man  so  dead  to  shame,  so  blind  with  passion, 

He  with  a  wanton  shares  his  name  ? 

Adel.  He  knew  not  — 

Guis.  Knew  not  ? 

Adel.  Knows  not  now  — 

Guis.  What  sayest  thou  ? 

Adel.  Her  passion  for  her  lord  —  her  pure,  strict  morals  — 

Twelve  years,  in  virtue  passed,  concealed  — 

Guis.  0,  monstrous  ! 

Twelve  years  concealed  ? 

Twelve  years?  What!  Did  she  feign  so  well,  then  ? 

Was  she  so  arch  a  mistress  in  dissembling? 

Fy,  fy  !  ’t  is  odious  !  ( Crosses  to  K.  H.) 

Adel.  ( extremely  agitated).  Yet  one  word  — one  question  : 

Say ’t  were  thy  case  ;  should  some  most  dear  relation  — 

Thy  friend  of  youth  —  thy  much-loved  sister  — 

Guis.  ( violently ).  Mine! 

Proceed  not !  Mine  !  my  sister  !  mine  !  O,  gods  ! 

Were  I  so  cursed,  and  owned  I  such  a  shame, 

And  were  my  heart  so  base  as  still  to  love  her, 

I  ’a  tear  that  heart  out. 

Adel.  Guiscard  ! 

Guis.  Far  let  her  fly 

From  all  the  world,  but  most  of  all  from  me  ! 

Adel.  ( with  a  cry  of  pain).  My  heart  will  burst  I 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


25 


Guis.  Just  heavens  ! 

My  love,  my  life  ! 

Adel.  Fear  not  —  a  sudden  faintness  — - 

Guis.  Nay,  but  thou  ’rt  wondrous  pale  ;  and  no  one  ’s  near  — 
Rest  on  this  bank  —  ’tis  well  ;  I  ’ll  fly  for  help.  (Going.) 

Adel.  ( seated  on  bank ,  R.  h.)  No,  no  ! 

Guis.  I  ’ll  straight  return.  Ho,  Claudia,  Claudia  ! 

[Exit,  1  E.  R.  H. 

Adel.  ( after  a  pause,  clasps  her  hands  and  raises  them  to  heaven). 
No  aid  —  no  mercy  —  no  resource  !  (She  remains  as  if  stupefied.) 

Lothair  advances  through  the  trees,  it.  e.  l.  h. 

Loth  air  (l  h.).  But  soft !  the  princess  here  alone  and  weeping  l 
Adel.  0,  Lothair  ! 

Loth,  (throws  himself  at  her  feet).  0,  pardon  this  presumption  ! 
Can  I  witness 

Those  tears,  nor  ask  their  cause,  and  seek  to  dry  them  ? 

Can  I  assist  —  console  —  relieve  ? 

Adel.  Relief? 

My  woes  admit  of  none. 

Loth.  O,  say  not  so  ! 

My  arm,  my  soul,  are  thine.  I  ’ll  search  —  I  ’ll  find  — 

Some  means  may  sure  be  found.  0,  deign  to  trust  me  l 
Thou  canst  not  doubt  the  creature  of  thy  bounty  — 

The  orphan  youth  whose  life ’s  thy  gift. 

Michael  Lucas  appears  at  back,  u.  e.  r.  h. 

Adel.  Thou  generous  youth  ! 

Michael.  How  !  kneeling  at  her  feet  ? 

Adel.  Yes,  yes  ;  I  ’ll  trust  thee  !  Thou  shalt  know  my  danger  ; 
Then  counsel,  aid  —  and  save  me  if  thou  canst. 

There  is  a  secret —  (Here  Michael  Ducas  comes  down  c.) 

Ha,  Byzantium  ! 

Mich.  So  ! 

My  thoughts  then  wronged  you  not.  Your  heart,  it  seems. 

Is  not  such  ice  but  youthful  fires  can  melt  it  ? 

You  counted  me  your  dupe  ?  No,  no  !  I  guessed 
Some  happier  rival  steeled  your  heart,  not  virtue  ; 

And  when  this  morn  I  marked  your  fond  emotion. 

Your  blush  while  round  his  neck  you  hung  yon  jewel. 

That  rival  stood  confest.  ’T  is  plain  —  confirmed. 

Marry,  the  scene ’s  well  chosen  !  —  murmuring  streams  •— 

Soft  beds  of  fragrant  flowers  —  convenient  shades  — 

And  amorous  ring-doves  cooing  o’er  your  heads. 

While  your  love  kneels  before  you  — 

Adel.  Base  aspersion  I 
Gods,  do  I  live  to  hear  it? 

Loth.  (l.  h.)  Mark  me,  prince  ; 

Had  living  man  but  Imma’s  father  spoken 

Those  words,  my  sword  had  struck  him  dead  already. 

What  means  thy  charge  ?  Thou  canst  not  give  it  credit 
Thyself !  Her  spotless  virtue  —  • 


26 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  III. 


Mich.  Hers  ?  her  virtue  ? 

Ha,  ha  !  tell  others  that  strange  tale.  ( Laughing  spitefully.) 

Adel .  0,  heavens  ! 

Mich.  For  me,  I  ’ve  found  her  art  ;  the  spell  is  broken  ; 

I  know  her  frail  and  false  — 

Loth .  Now  blisters  seize 
His  tongue  who  calls  her  so  ! 

Adel.  { anxiously ).  Lothair,  Lothair, 

This  warmth  destroys  me  ! 

Loth.  Should  I  bear  with  patience 
To  hear  thee  wronged,  thou  best  and  purest  ?  No  ! 

He  ’s  no  man  who  listens  calmly  while  a  woman ’s  slandered. 

( To  Michael.)  She  frail  ?  0,  insult  past  enduring  ! 

She  ?  • —  unheard-of  falsehood  ! 

Mich,  {furious).  How  ! 

Loth.  Yes,  emperor,  yes  ; 

Whate’er  thy  rank,  I  ’m  for  this  hour  thy  equal. 

I  say  ’t  is  false  !  and,  though  an  angel  spoke  it, 

I  ’d  still  repeat  —  “  the  charge  is  false  as  hell  !  ” 

Mich.  What,  this  to  me?  Thou  contradict  me,  thou? 

Soars  thy  presumption  then  a  pitch  so  high  ? 

Minion,  because  thy  silken  locks  have  snared 
That  fond  one’s  heart  — 

Loth.  0,  gods  !  yet,  yet  be  wise  — 

The  rage  which  boils  my  blood  — 

Mick.  Dost  think  I  fear  it  ? 

Let  thy  rage  blaze  forth  ;  ’twill  move  my  laughter  ; 

And,  if  thou  need’st  more  insults  to  provoke  thee, 

This  makes  the  measure  full !  ( Striking  him.) 

Loth.  { drawing  his  sword).  Draw,  draw,  this  moment !  ( Frantic 
with  passion.) 

Draw  and  defend  thyself  ! 

Mich.  This  to  thy  heart,  boy  !  ( They  ftaht. ) 

Adel.  Help,  help  ! 

Mich.  ( raising  his  sword  to  stab  him).  Thou  diest ! 

Adel.  { throwing  herself  before  Lothair).  Hold,  tyrant,  hold,  or 
stab  him  through  my  bosom  ! 

Guis.  { without ,  r.  h.  u.  e.)  Speed,  Claudia,  speed  ! 

Adel,  {starting).  My  husband’s  voice  ! 

Mich,  {menacing).  He  comes  ! 

Now  tremble  ! 

Enter  Guiscard  hastily ,  followed  by  Claudia,  Julian,  Tancred  and 
eight  guards ,  u.  e.  r.  h. 

Guis.  Clash  of  arms  !  how ’s  this,  Lothair  ? 

Byzantium  too  ?  their  swords  unsheathed  ?  Explain  ! 

Speak,  princess  ! 

Adel.  Guiscard  —  terror  chokes  my  voice  ; 

I  cannot.  {She  leans  on  Claudia.) 

Mich,  {soothing).  Yet  what  fear’sfc  thou  now,  dear  lady  ? 

The  danger ’s  past ;  thou  ’rt  safe.  ]|pst  mark  ?  quite  safe. 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


27 


’T  is  I  who  tells  thee  so,  thy  friend,  thy  servant. 

Whose  proudest  boast  will  be,  he  saved  thy  honor  !  { Expressively .) 
Adel.  ( comprehending  him).  Ha  !  then  there ’s  hope  again  ! 

Guis.  Her  honor  ?  —  saved  ! 

From  whom  ? 

Mich.  I  wandered  near  this  spot,  when  shrieks 
Alarmed  my  hearing.  Hither  swift  I  sped, 

And  lo  !  thy  wife  by  ruffian  grasp  detained  — 

That  ruffian  was  Lothair. 

Guis.  (r.  C. )  Lothair  ? 

Adel.  (l.  c.,  struck  with  horror  and  surprise ).  0,  monster  ! 

Loth.  (r.  h.,  confounded).  How,  how  ! 

Mich.  (l.  h.)  He  drew  his  falchion  —  mine  already 
Was  bared  in  virtue’s  cause —  and  fierce  we  fought 
Till  by  thy  footsteps  scared  — 

Loth.  0,  monstrous  !  Princely  Guiscard, 

If  e’er  I  harbored  in  my  breast  one  wish, 

One  thought  injurious  to  thy  consort’s  virtue, 

May  Heaven’s  red  arm  —  but  why  assert  my  innocence  ? 

The  princess  knows  it  ;  to  her  lips  I  ’ll  trust  me. 

Mich.  And  by  that  test  I  ’ll  stand.  Speak,  Adelgitha  ; 

Thy  suffrage  none  can  doubt.  Declare  the  truth, 

Unmask  the  traitor,  and  confirm  my  tale.  { Significantly .) 

Adel.  No,  I  can  bear  no  more.  Unmask  the  traitor  ? 

I  will  ;  and  show  his  guilt  so  black,  so  hideous. 

The  sickening  sun  shall  veil  his  orb  in  clouds, 

And  think  mankind  no  longer  worth  his  care. 

Hear  me,  my  lord  ;  if  there  is  faith  in  woman, 

I  now  assert  Lothair  is  — 

Mich.  { interrupting  her,  and  showing  the  picture,  unseen  by  all  but 
Adelgitha,  on  whom  the  attention  of  the  rest  is  entirely  fixed). 
Lady, lady, 

Beware  !  {Aside.) 

Guis.  and  Loth.  Speak,  speak  ! 

Mich,  {pointing  to  the  picture  and  threatening) .  Beware  ! 

Adel .  { hesitating ).  Lothair  is  —  guilty  !  {Falls  on  Claudia’s  bo¬ 
som,  l.  h.  c.) 

Loth.  Gods  !  did  I  hear  aright  ? 

Mich,  {aside).  I  triumph  ! 

Guis.  Miscreant  ! 

Ho,  Julian  !  Bear  yon  villain  hence,  and  chain  him 
Deep  in  the  western  tower. 

Adel,  {entreating).  He  saved  your  life. 

Guis.  To  load  it  with  disgrace  ?  Ten  thousand  lives 
Could  not  repay  the  outrage  ! 

Bear  him  away. 

Loth.  One  word.  By  what  strange  spell 
Yon  dark  magician  in  his  chains  has  bound  me 
I  know  not  ;  but  I  know  myself  most  guiltless, 

And  thee,  prince,  most  deceived.  I  ’ll  say  no  more. 

Do  with  me  what  thou  wilt  ;  whate’er  thou  dost. 

The  memory  of  thy  bounties  past  shall  never 


28 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  III. 


Die  in  thy  servant’s  heart  ;  the  axe  that  kills 
My  life  shall  spare  that  grateful  love  I  bear  thee. 

E’en  at  the  block 

Pray  that  thou  ne’er  may’st  know  I  perished  guiltless, 

And  plead  in  yonder  world  of  truth  and  peace 
My  sovereign’s  cause  with  Him  to  whom  he  sent  me. 

(To  Adelgitha,  sternly).  For  thee,  who  — 

( He  stops,  crosses  over  to  her,  takes  off  the  jewel  which  she  gave  him, 
restores  it  with  a  look  of  mingled  grief  and  anger,  and  goes  off 
in  silence,  l.  h.  1  e.  —  Julian  and  guards  follow  him , 
l.  h.  1  E.) 

Adel,  (aside).  Death  is  sure  less  painful  —  Guiscard  — 

My  bosom  bleeds,  my  brain  turns  round  —  Lothair  — 

His  youth,  his  worth  —  I  know  not  what  I  say  — 

But  spare  him  ! 

Guis.  Think,  my  love,  how  base  the  crime 
Of  him  thou  bid’st  me  spare.  His  outrage  wronged 
Not  thee  alone,  but  all  thy  sex  in  thee  — 

That  sex  which  should  have  claimed  his  best  protection. 

Who  strikes  his  dagger  in  a  female’s  heart 
Acts  kinder  than  who  stains  that  female’s  honor  ; 

Death  being  happier  than  a  shameful  life, 

Since  she  who  lives  to  shame  but  lives  to  suffer. 

Mich.  0,  true,  most  true  !  (Aside  to  Adelgitha.)  Thou  hear’st 
him,  princess? 

Adel,  (aside).  Fiend  ! 

( To  Guiscard.)  And  can  then  Adelgitha  sue  in  vain 
To  Guiscard  ?  Can  my  tears  — 

Mich.  Those  tears  are  fruitless  ; 

Thy  lord  is  firm  ;  and,  while  you  sue,  fair  princess, 

Forget  not  that  I  hold  your  suit  an  insult 

To  me,  the  accuser,  me.  (In  a  low  voice.)  Speak  one  more  word. 
And  all ’s  revealed.  I  hate  that  boy  —  he  dies  ! 

Adel.  Why,  then,  my  fate  is  fixed.  Hope,  fire  thee  well  ! 

I  ’ll  cease  to  weary  Heaven  with  prayers  for  blessings. 

Beset  with  foes  —  caught  in  the  toils  —  distracted  — 

I  ’ll  pray  no  more,  or  only  pray  to  die. 

Death  heals  all  wounds  ;  with  life  all  sorrows  cease  : 

And  Heaven  will  show  that  mercy  man  denies.  [ Exit  wildly,  1  e.  r.  h. 
Guis.  Claudia,  follow.  [ Exit  Claudia,  1  e.  r.  h. 

Mich.  Ha  !  this  strong  emotion  — 

These  tears  —  this  frantic  anguish  —  in  some  eyes 
Would  seem  suspicious  — 

Guis.  Not  in  mine,  Byzantium  ; 

I  judge  the  hearts  of  others  by  my  own. 

Mich.  Methinks  Lothair  might  make  you  justly  doubt 
The  prudence  of  this  system  ;  well  might  raise 
That  boy’s  ingratitude  some  slight  regret 
For  lavished  care  and  bounty  misapplied. 

Guis.  No,  emperor,  I  regret  not  what  I ’ve  done. 

But  that  his  vice  prevents  my  doing  more. 

Twelve  years  I  cherished  that  delightful  thought, 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


29 


“  Virtue  was  his,  and  that  to  me  he  owed  it.” 

The  dream  is  flown  ;  but  shall  I  count  as  nothing 
A  dream  so  long,  so  flattering  while  it  lasted  ? 

Can  his  foul  actions  stain  my  fair  intent, 

Or  does  his  falsehood  make  my  act  less  generous  ? 

Mich .  I  must  perforce  admire  such  lofty  thoughts  ; 

Yet  more  admire  the  theory  than  the  practice. 

Farewell,  Apulia  :  still  pursue  thy  system  ; 

Still  think  all  men  are  just,  all  women  faithful ; 

Still  fly  conviction’s  light  ;  still  love,  still  trust, 

Still  find  thyself  deceived  —  but  ne’er  grow  wiser.  [Exit,  1  E.  L.  H. 

Guis.  Ungrateful,  false  Lothair  ! 

But  no  ;  I  ’ll  not  lament  the  good  I  ’ve  done  him  ; 

But  that  his  vice  prevents  my  doing  more. 

Of  man’s  ingratitude  let  those  complain 

Whose  bounty  flows  to  serve  themselves,  not  others  ; 

But  he  ne’er  thinks  his  kindness  ill-rewarded 

Who  acts  as  virtue  bids,  for  virtue’s  sake.  [Exit,  1  e.  r.  h. 

END  OF  ACT  III. 


ACT  IV. 

SCENE  I.  —  A  Gothic  Chnmber,  1  g. 

Enter  Guiscard,  1  e.  l.  h.,  followed  by  Imma. 

Imma.  Stay,  princely  Guiscard, 

And  soothe  a  wretch’s  anguish. 

A  fearful  tale  has  reached  me  ; 

He ’s  false  ;  his  life  is  forfeit  !  0,  that  thought 
Struck  like  a  dagger  to  my  heart  !  I  shrieked. 

And,  wild  with  anguish,  hither  flew  to  plead 
For  one  —  the  falsest  —  dearest  —  for  Lothair  ! 

Guiscard .  What,  plead  for  one  whose  crime  — 

Im.  I  know  it  all. 

His  crime,  its  penalty,  and  my  despair. 

0,  judge  from  this  how  vast  my  love’s  excess  ; 

I  know  him  faithless,  and  adore  him  still. 

Guis.  And  did  Lothair  possess  so  rich  a  gem 
As  Imma’s  heart,  and  throw  that  gem  away? 

Im.  What  have  I  done?  0,  thoughtless  girl  ! 

Forget  my  words  —  forget  my  wrongs,  my  love. 

And  only  heed  my  tears  and  my  despair  ! 

Spare  him,  0  spare  him  ! 

Guis.  Cease,  unhappy  fair  one, 

To  urge  a  suit  I  cannot,  must  not  grant  ! 

Im.  0,  heavens  ! 

Enter  Julian,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Julian.  A  Grecian  vessel 

Rides  in  the  port,  my  prince,  and  brings,  ’t  is  said, 

3* 


80 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  IV. 


Terms  of  submission  from  the  rebel  emperor, 

Vanquished  Alexius. 

Guis.  Straight  I  come —  *  (Julian  retires  up  l.  h.) 

Im.  0,  Guiscard, 

Leave  me  not  thus  !  Lothair  !  —  one  look  of  mercy  — 

One  word  of  hope  — 

Guis.  Could  you  peruse  my  heart. 

Princess,  you ’d  know  a  king’s  most  painful  moments  , 

Are  when  he  sees  such  tears,  and  must  not  dry  them. 

Too  blest  were  monarchs  if,  when  grief  implores. 

They  dared  indulge  that  pity  which  they  feel. 

But  he  who  wisely  thinks  and  justly  governs, 

If  prudence  and  compassion  strive,  forgets  not 
Mercy,  though  sweet,  can  but  relieve  a  few  ; 

But  justice  is  that  good  which  blesses  all.  [ Exit . 

Im.  He  leaves  me  to  despair.  Lost,  wretched  maid  ! 

Where  shall  I  turn  me  ?  Ah  !  how  changed  my  prospects 
From  those  so  beauteous,  which  were  mine  this  morn  ! 

Lothair  returned  —  was  faithful  —  and  was  Imma’s. 

He  ’s  false  —  his  life  is  lost  —  and  mine ’s  a  blank  1 

Jul.  He  ’s  gone,  and  none  observe  us.  Hear  me,  princess. 

( Down  l.  H.) 

Im.  0,  leave  me  to  my  grief! 

Jul.  I  come  to  soothe  it. 

Im.  How  ?  Speak  ! 

Jul.  I  guard  Lothair  — 

Im.  And  wilt  thou  save  him  ? 

Say  “Yes,”  and  I  ’ll  adore  thee  ! 

Jul.  Born  in  Spain, 

I  languish  for  my  native  land  ;  and  wilt  thou 
Provide  such  sums  as  may  from  want  secure  me, 

This  night  I  ’ll  fly  from  Guiscard  and  Otranto, 

And  make  Lothair  the  partner  of  my  fate. 

Im.  0,  words  of  rapture  !  Speed  thy  flight,  good  fellow  ! 

My  wealthy  my  gems,  rich  diamonds,  blushing  rubies. 

And  chains  of  pearl,  which  decked  a  Persian  queen, 

All,  all  are  thine  ! 

Jul.  Beneath  the  western  tower, 

Soon  as  ’ t  is  dark,  expect  me.  Thine  own  hand 

Shall  break  thy  lover’s  chains.  Hark  !  some  one  comes  ! 

Farewell !  till  night  be  cautious.  [ Exit ,  1  E.  L.  H. 

Im.  He  shall  live,  then  ; 

Lothair  shall  live  !  but  0,  he ’s  false  !  no  matter, 

He  lives,  and  lives  through  me  ;  the  rest  I  ’ll  heed  not. 

O,  could  my  heart,  laid  bleeding  on  the  scaffold, 

Redeem  thy  life,  Lothair,  I ’d  gladly  rend 

The  trembler  from  my  breast,  and  tell  thee,  dying, 

“  See,  false  one,  see  how  fond  a  heart  you  stabbed  !  ”  [Exit,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Enter  Michael  Ducas  and  Claudia,  1  e.  r.  ii. 

Michael  ( holding  a  letter).  She  has  judged  wisely.  Had  my  threats 
been  scorned. 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


31 


This  night,  though ’t  were  my  last,  had  made  her  story 
Public  as  the  air  she  breathes.  “  St.  Hilda’s  cavern  ? 

While  Guiscard ’s  at  the  banquet  ?  ”  ’T  is  enough. 

Claudia .  0,  send  some  words  of  comfort  to  my  friend! 

Lothair  — 

Mich.  She  loves  him. 

Claud,  {eagerly).  By  my  hopes  of  heaven  — 

Mich.  Well,  well,  I  know  not.  O’er  my  heart ’t  is  certain 
She  holds  strange  power.  Perhaps  her  prayers  may  move  me 
To  spare  Lothair,  repress  my  fatal  passion, 

And  yield  those  letters  which  —  but  should  she  fail  me  — 

Claud.  She  will  not,  be  assured.  0,  prince,  show  mercy  ; 

And,  when  thou  need’st  it,  Heaven  will  show  it  thee.  [Exit,  1  E,  r.  h. 

Mich.  Go,  thou  dull  thing,  and  from  experience  learn 
That  Michael  ne’er  forgave  where  once  he  hated  ! 

“  St.  Hilda’s  cave.”  ’T  will  suit  my  purpose  well  — 

Close  to  the  sea.  But,  lo  !  Apulia  comes. 

Ha  !  Alciphron  ? 

Eater  Guiscard,  with  a  parchment,  and  Alciphron,  1  E.  L.  H. 

Guis .  Offers  so  fair  deserve 
Acceptance,  and  I  ’ll  urge  it  strongly,  doubt  not. 

Wait  thou  apart. 

Alciphron.  Humbly  I  thank  your  highness.  [Exit. 

Guis.  Health  to  Byzantium’s  emperor  !  For  that  title 
At  length  is  thine  not  more  in  right  than  fact. 

Mich.  Indeed  !  Brought  Alciphron  — 

Guis.  Alexius  proffers  to  throw  wide  his  portals, 

So  thou  ’It  engage  to  spare  his  life,  and  those 
Whose  names  this  scroll  contains. 

Mich,  {reading).  “  Constantius  ”  —  “  Phocas  ”  — 

“  Gratian  ”  —  Men  potent  with  Byzantium’s  rabble  ; 

Who  bear  towards  me  such  deadly  hate  as  tigers 
Bear  towards  the  crocodile  !  And  shall  they  live 
To  prate  of  slaughtered  sons,  and  wives  dishonored. 

And  with  such  piteous  tales  excite  the  crowd 
Again  to  hurl  me  from  my  throne  ?  No,  no  ! 

Such  men  I  dare  not  pardon  ! 

Guis.  Dare  not,  say’st  thou  ? 

0,  phrase  ill-suited  to  imperial  lips  ! 

Kings  should  fear  nothing  but  deserving  censure  ; 

And  he  who  dares  not  pardon  should  not  reign. 

Mich.  Gods,  give  me  patience  !  Is ’t  not  then  enough 
To  know  yon  cave  contains  a  sleeping  lion, 

But  must  I  wait  his  rousing  to  dispatch  him, 

And  feel  the  monster’s  teeth  before  I  stab  ? 

By  Heaven  !  ’t  were  better  ne’er  to  see  Byzantium, 

Than  see  it  in  such  fear,  and  spread  my  couch 
Nightly  on  snakes  ! 

Guis.  And  art  thou  yet  to  learn 
E’en  snakes,  if  gently  used,  are  rendered  harmless. 


82 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  IV. 


And  dance  obedient  to  their  tasker’s  flute  ? 

Be  the  world’s  friend,  and  none  will  be  thy  foes. 

Mich.  ( looking  on  the  parchment).  What ’s  this  ? 

The  patriarch  Priscillian  ?  —  that  false  priest. 

Who  rudely  tore  the  diadem  from  my  brow, 

And  bound  it  round  my  rival’s  ?  Critias,  too  ! 

Eudoxus  !  Cleon  !  (Furious.)  Now,  by  Heaven,  not  one. 

Not  one  of  them  shall  live  !  The  slaves,  the  traitors  ? 

Byzantium  mine  one  hour,  thus,  thus  I  ’ll  use  them. 

And  strew  their  limbs  thus  round  me  !  (fearing  the  parchment , 

throws  it  down  on  l.  h.,  and  crosses  to  R.  h.) 

Guis.  ’T  is  enough. 

Ho,  Alciphron  ! 

Enter  Alciphron,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Guis.  (pointing  to  the  parchment).  Read  there  your  answer. 

Alcip.  (starting).  Prince  ! 

Guis.  When  first  your  exiled  sovereign  sought  my  aid, 

I  saw  his  sufferings  and  forgot  his  faults  — 

Pitied  the  monarch  and  excused  the  man. 

I  thought,  too,  in  adversity’s  rough  school 

He  sure  had  learnt  some  lessons  which  might  teach  him 

To  govern  well,  if  e’er  again  he  governed. 

I  was  deceived.  Michael  rejects  your  terms. 

Yet  tell  Alexius  this  from  me  —  if  e’er 
On  Michael’s  side  again  I  draw  my  falchion. 

May  my  right  arm  sink  withered  ! 

Mich,  (stamping  in  rage).  How?  Confusion! 

Alcip.  Then,  tyrant,  do  thy  worst.  We  fear  thee  not. 

(To  Guiscard.)  But  since  from  him  estranged,  0  let  Alexius 
Hope  that  Apulia’s  aid  — 

Guis .  (with  dignity).  Presumptuous  Greek, 

Urge  that  bold  suit  no  further  !  Guiscard’s  sword 
Shall  ne’er  be  drawn  in  a  usurper’s  cause. 

Whate’er  his  faults,  there  stands  your  rightful  monarch  ; 

And  thougirmy  arms  no  more  oppose  Alexius, 

Still  shall  he  find  ere  long  celestial  vengeance 
Pursue  the  rebel  who  dethroned  his  king  ! 

Quit  thou  my  realm  !  No  more  !  [ Exit  Alciphron. 

Prince,  thou  hast  heard  me, 

And  here  our  ill-assorted  union  ends. 

No  further  aid  — 

Mich,  (malignant).  Nay,  show  thy  spite  at  once. 

And  send  me  to  the  usurper’s  throne  in  chains. 

Durazzo  shall  reward  thee. 

Guis.  Emperor,  no  ! 

What  Guiscard  once  has  given,  he  ne’er  resumes. 

Durazzo ’s  yours  —  ’t  was  conquered  in  your  name,  — . 

And  thither  safely  shall  my  barks  conduct  you. 

That  done,  my  service  ends.  To  gain  Byzantium, 

What  further  course  you  choose  — 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


83 


Mich.  Should  that  course  prosper, 

I  ’ll  first  employ  my  power  to  wreak  on  thee 
My  vengeance  for  this  scorn.  There  lies  my  gage 
In  token  of  defiance  ;  and  that  hatred, 

Which  here  I  swear,  shall  to  the  grave  pursue  thee, 

Deep,  deadly,  and  unchanged  ! 

Guis.  Stretch  to  the  utmost 
Thy  power  to  vex  Apulia  and  its  lord  ; 

With  barks,  like  locust-^Jouds,  o’erspread  the  ocean  ; 

Rob  all  thy  realms  of  men,  and  at  one  effort 
Pour  thy  whole  population  on  our  coasts  : 

Still  shalt  thou  see  thy  squadrons,  like  ripe  corn 
Beneath  the  reaper’s  scythe,  laid  low,  encountering 
The  patriot  subjects  of  a  patriot  prince, 

Who  loves  his  people,  whom  his  people  love. 

Skulk  as  thou  may’st  behind  thy  brazen  bulwarks 
Of  hired  Varangians  and  degenerate  Greeks, 

I  ’ll  find  thee,  doubt  not  ;  hew  my  desperate  passage 
Through  swords  and  shields  ;  nor  shall  my  arm  know  rest 
Till  on  thy  casque  my  trusty  sword  has  cleft 
Byzantium’s  crown  in  twain. 

Mich.  I  ’ll  hear  no  more  —  ( Drawing  a  dagger.) 

Vain  boaster,  die  ! 

( Attempts  to  stab  Guiscard,  who  wrests  the  dagger  from  him.) 
Guis.  Ha  !  (A  pause ,  after  which  he  returns  the  dagger.)  Take 
thy  steel  again, 

And  use  it  to  a  nobler  end. —  (Michael  stamps  in  rage.)  — How  now? 
Enter  Rainulf,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Rain.  Lothair  has  fled,  my  prince  —  the  traitor  Julian 
Has  loosed  his  chains,  and  shares  his  flight. 

Guis.  Pursue  them, 

And  straight  inform  me,  should  Lothair  be  found. 

[Exit  Rainulf e 

Prince,  farewell  ! 

We  meet  no  more,  except  we  meet  in  battle, 

Where  one  of  us  must  fall.  [Exit,  1  E 

Mich.  Ay,  triumph  now  —  but  soon  thy  haughty  front 
Shall  strike  the  earth  in  anguish  !  —  Now,  Dercetus. 

Enter  Dercetus,  1  e.  r.  h. 

Mich.  Say,  is  the  bark  prepared  ? 

Der.  Among  the  rocks 
’T  is  anchored. 

Mich.  Call  my  slaves  —  collect  my  treasure  — 

And  straight  conduct  my  daughter  to  the  vessel. 

This  night  we  quit  Otranto. 

Der.  How?  this  night? 

Mich.  Durazzo ’s  mine,  and  thither  points  our  course. 

Speed,  speed,  my  friend.  [Exit  Dercetus,  1  E.  R.  H. 

And  thou,  good,  doaJing  husband, 

Dream  on  securely,  while  far  hence  I  bear 


.  L.  H. 

.  L.  H. 


34 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  IV. 


Thy  souPs  most  precious  treasure  !  Thus  the  pilgrim, 

"While  near  his  couch  the  snake  creeps  slow  and  silent. 

Slumbers  unconscious  on  some  flowery  bank. 

Sweet  is  his  rest ;  his  dreams  are  bright  —  when,  lo  1 
Peep  strikes  the  sting,  and  the  wretch  wakes  to  anguish. 

[  Exit ,  1  E.  R.  H. 


SCENE  II.  —  A  Cavern ,  4  and  5  G.  — Through  a  natural  arch  in  the 
centre  of  the  back  scene  the  sea  is  visible^vith  the  moon  shining  on 
it.  —  On  r.  h.  3  e.  is  a  rough-hewn  staircase,  conducting  to  an  up¬ 
per  gallery.  —  On  l.  h.  3  e.  is  the  mouth  of  an  inner  cave,  partly 
overgrown  with  ivy  and  other  tangling  weeds.  It  is  ornamented 
with  a  cross,  an  image,  a  skull,  and  cross-bones ,  fyc.  —  On  the 
centre  flat  is  the  great  entrance  to  the  cavern. 

Julian  enters  with  a  torch,  conducting  Lothair  and  Imma,  by  the 
great  entrance,  c.flat,  arch . 

Julian  (i to  Lothair).  Here  thou  may’st  rest  in  safety,  while  I  seek 
The  bark  to  bear  us  hence.  But,  gentle  princess. 

First  let  me  guide  thee  back  — 

Lothair  (to  Imma).  And  must  you  go  ? 

O,  first  repeat  the  assurance  that  no  longer 
You  doubt  his  faith  who  only  lives  for  you  ! 

Say  that  no  more  you  ’ll  wrong  your  charms  by  thinking 
The  heart  can  ever  change  that  once  is  yours  ; 

And  swear  by  yon  fair  moon,  whose  mournful  radiance 
Silvers  the  billows  which  must  waft  me  hence, 

No  power  of  absence  and  no  rival’s  arts 
Shall  e’er  efface  Lothair  from  Imma’s  bosom. 

Imma .  Alas  I  before  your  lips  affirmed  your  truth. 

So  much  I  hoped  you  true,  I  half  believed  it. 

Yet  still  such  proofs  —  my  father’s  heavy  charge  — 

And  she,  pure  honor’s  mirror,  Adelgitha, 

She,  toqjfc^ttested  —  Hence,  distracting  doubts  ! 

For  I  wm  credit  what  I  wish  were  true  ! 

Still,  dear  enchanter,  breathe  those  magic  vows 

Which  charmed  to  rest  the  tempest  of  my  bosom  l 

E’en  though  you  ’re  false,  persuade  me  that  you  ’re  faithful ; 

E’en  though  you  hate  me,  swear  I ’m  fondly  loved  ; 

Close  to  my  heart  I  ’ll  press  the  sweet  delusion, 

And  kiss  the  veil  that  hides  such  cruel  truths. 

Loth.  And  will  these  sounds,  which  on  his  parting  ear 
Vibrate  so  sweetly,  greet  Lothair’s  return? 

Soon  at  thy  beauty’s  shrine  adoring  monarchs 

Shall  boast  they  bear  thy  chains,  and  swear  in  rapture, 

“  If  crowns  are  brilliant,  ’t  is  when  Imma  wears  them.’ 

Pleased  while  you  listen  to  the  flattering  tale, 

All  thoughts  of  passion  past  will  fade  away, 

And  in  some  rival’s  arms  thou  ’It  ne’er  remember 
A  wretch  like  me  exists. 


SCENE  II.] 


ADELGITHA. 


85 


Im.  Unjust  suspicions  ! 

O,  would  ’t  were  in  my  power  at  once  to  crush  them, 

And  share  thy  flight,  thy  dangers,  and  thy  woes  ! 

But,  0,  that  fearful  thought,  my  father’s  curse  !  — 

A  father  who,  whate’er  his  faults  to  others. 

Has  none  to  me  !  —  No,  no,  I  dare  not  grieve  him, 

And  we  must  part,  Lothair.  (  Weeping,) 

Jul.  Your  pardon,  princess  — 

Time  flies — your  absence  may  create  suspicions. 

Whose  danger  — 

Im,  Straight  I  come  —  and  whither  wilt  thou. 

Dear  friend,  direct  thy  wandering  course  ? 

Lotk,  Thou  know’st 

The  Christian  kings  prepare  a  potent  force 
To  free  the  holy  land  from  hands  of  heathens  : 

I  ’ll  aid  the  attempt.  Who  knows  but  Heaven  may  grant  me 
To  hurl  some  fierce  barbarian  from  that  throne 
His  foul  idolatry  and  crimes  pollute? 

O,  then  how  swift  my  keel  shall  cut  the  billows  ! 

Love’s  purple  wing  shall  agitate  the  air 
To  swell  my  sails,  and  waft  me  back  to  Europe, 

In  Imma’s  eyes  to  read  my  purest  praises, 

And  lay  at  Imma’s  feet  my  heart  and  sceptre. 

Im.  Come  thus,  and  Imma ’s  thine  ;  but,  should’st  thou  fall. 

Best  thou  assured,  my  love,  no  rival  e’er 

Shall  clasp  this  hand,  on  which  thy  lips  have  rested. 

A  cloistered  mourner,  wrapt  in  sable  weeds, 

I  ’ll  weep  thy  loss  till  life  be  wept  away. 

Farewell !  —  0  Heaven  1  Farewell !  [ Exit ,  c.  F.  arch, 

Jul .  I  ’ll  straight  return. 

Wait  thou  in  yonder  cave.  [Exit,  c.  f.  arch, 

[ Exit  Lothair  into  the  cave ,  l.  h.  3  e. 


Adelgitha,  with  a  torch ,  descends  the  flight  of  steps,  r.  h.  3  e. 
Adel,  Not  come  yet  ? 

( She  fixes  the  torch  in  a  crevice  of  the  rock ,  r.  h.) 
Then  I  ’ve  still  some  moments  left 
To  think  —  to  pray  1 

( She  sinks  on  her  knees ,  and  raises  her  hands  to  heaven.) 
Save  me  !  ( A  pause ,  after  which  she  rises.) 

How  dread  this  silence  l 

The  night-wind  chills  my  blood  —  the  pale,  cold  moon  — 

These  echoing  rocks  —  the  murmuring  waves  — 

Mich.  ( without ,  u.  e.  r.  h.)  Sure  yon  torch  — 

Adel.  He  comes.  His  voice  seems  thunder  to  my  ear. 

Now,  then,  for  life  or  death  ! 


Enter  Michael  Ducas,  c.  f.  arch. 

Mich.  (l.  h.)  Lo,  where  she  stands, 

Destined  to  crown  at  once  my  love  and  vengeance  ! 
Now,  princess,  —  ha  !  I  miss  that  high  demeanor, 


36 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  IV. 


Inspiring  such  respect  when  last  we  parleyed  : 

No  scornful  smile,  no  virtuous  lightnings  flashing 
Quick  from  thy  eye  to  strike  presumption  dead. 

Nay,  speak  ;  and  let  me  hear  thy  lips  once  more 
School  with  condign  reproof  licentious  passion, 

And  teach  how  great  Salerno’s  virtuous  daughter 
“  Sees  nothing  fearful  but  deserved  disgrace  !  ” 

Adel.  (r.  h.)  I ’m  humbled,  weak,  a  sufferer  —  and  a  woman. 
Now,  if  thou  hast  the  heart,  insult  me  still. 

Mich.  Insult  thee  ?  No,  ungrateful  !  those  bright  eyes 
Still  o’er  my  heart  hold  an  unbounded  empire. 

Fain  would  I  hush  t&y  grief  — 

Adel.  0,  if  thou  would’st, 

How  easy  were  the  task  !  Look  on  me,  prince  ! 

Grief  tears  my  heart  ;  my  eyes  are  swollen  with  weeping  ; 

And  thou  may’st  calm  that  heart,  and  dry  those  eyes. 

Those  fatal  letters  —  yield  them  to  my  prayers  ; 

Save  me  from  shame,  and  I  ’ll  through  life  implore 
Heaven  on  thy  head  to  shower  its  choicest  blessings. 

Mich.  Nay,  we  ’ll  not  trouble  Heaven,  fair  dame.  In  thee 
I  see  that  blessing  which  my  soul  most  covets, 

And  mine  it  must  be  ! 

I  hate  thy  Guiscard  ! 

I  find  his  dearest  gems  are  thee  and  honor, 

And  both  this  night  are  lost  ! 

Adel.  ( starting ).  Mean’st  thou  — 

Mich.  This  night 
I  ’ll  bear  thee  hence, 

And  brand  the  man  I  hate  with  shame  immortal  ! 

Thou  ’rt  in  my  power  — 

Adel.  No,  tyrant,  thou  ’rt  deceived  ! 

I  ’ve  still  one  refuge  left  ;  and  here  I  swear, 

Ere  Guiscard ’s  cheek  shall  know  one  tear  of  grief, 

Or  blush  of  shame  occasioned  by  my  fault. 

In  death’^mbrace  I  ’ll  shelter  me  from  thine, 

And  stab  my  heart  rather  than  Guiscard’s  honor. 

Mich.  ( ironically ).  Thou ’It  die?  Alas!  I ’m  skilled  in  woman ’3 
courage  ; 

And  know  what  vows  she  swears,  and  how  she  keeps  them. 

Swords,  precipices,  poison,  racks  and  flames, 

Viewed  in  perspective,  she  esteems  mere  trifles  ; 

But,  when  the  moment  comes,  she  thinks ’t  were  pity 
To  stain  a  skin  so  very  white  with  blood  ; 

So  wipes  her  eyes  and  lays  aside  her  dagger. 

Adel.  Unmanly  slanderer  ! 

Mich,  {fiercely).  Yet,  though  fate  had  sworn 
The  hour  which  made  thee  mine  should  hear  thy  knell, 

Mine  would  I  make  thee  still  ! 

Adel.  Barbarian,  fiend  ! 

Thou  lov’st  as  others  hate. 

Mich.  Though  pleasure  fly  me, 


ADELGITHA. 


SCENE  II.] 


$7 


I  ’ll  quaff  full  draughts  from  sweet  revenge’s  bowl ; 

Living  thou  ’rt  mine  — 

AdeL  And  dead  ?  — 

Mick,  Thou  art  not  Guiscard’s  ; 

And  that ’s  some  comfort  still,  (  Crosses  to  R.  H.) 

Adel .  {drawing  a  dagger).  Then  take  that  comfort, 

And  triumph  o’er  my  corse  1  { Offering  to  stab  herself .) 

Mich.  Rash  woman,  hold  !  ( Wrests  the  dagger  from  her ,  and 
throws  it  on  the  ground. )  And  now — - 
AdeL  0,  treacherous  arm  !  ( Crosses  to  r.  h.) 

Mich .  No  power  can  save  thee. 

Know,  ’mid  yon  rocks  e’en  now  the  vessel  waits 
Destined  to  waft  thee  hence, 

AdeL  0  heavens  2 
Mich.  Away,  then, 

I  ’ll  bear  thee  to  the  bark. 

AdeL  {throws  herself  cut  his  feet).  I  sink  before  thee  ; 

She  kneels  to  thee,  who  ne’er  yet  knelt  to  man. 

Have  thou  compassion  1 
Mich.  None,  none  ! 

Adel,  {in  a  terrible  voice ,  while  she  seizes  the  dagger ,  which  lies 
near  her ,  and  starts  from  the  ground ),  Then  perish,  tyrant  2 
(  Stabs  him. ) 

Mich.  0,  murderess  1  {He  staggers  back  some  paces ,  and  falls 
senseless  on  the  earth.) 

AdeL  {who  has  remained  in  a  menacing  attitude ,  starts  with  hor¬ 
ror  at  the  last  word).  Murderess?  Right,  right  ;  ’tis  now 
my  fittest  name  ! 

Rise,  demons,  rise  !  ’t  is  Adelgitha  calls  you  ; 

Her  hand  has  signed  in  blood  the  infernal  bond, 

Which  makes  her  yours  forever  !  Rise,  then,  rise, 

And  shake  the  rocks  with  horrid  mirth,  loud  shrieking, 

“  Rejoice,  rejoice  —  the  murderess  is  our  own  !  ” 

Enter  LoTHAiR/rom  the  cave ,  3  e.  l.  h.,  with  his  sword  drawn . 

Loth.  Murder  was  shrieked.  Ha  !  speak  thy  business  here. 

And  what  thou  art ! 

Adel.  A  fiend,  who  comes  to  banquet 
On  blood  among  these  rocks  ;  who  much  has  drank. 

And  thirsts  for  more.  Observe  these  flaming  eyes  ; 

Mark  the  black  drops  that  trickle  from  this  steel  ; 

And,  if  thy  life  is  dear,  avoid  my  presence. 

Advance  not,  or  thou  diest  2 

Loth.  That  voice  —  amazement  2 
’Tis  she  —  the  princess,  sure  !  {Dropping  his  sword.) 

AdeL  ( shrieking ).  Lothair  !  0,  horror  I 
This  still  was  wanting  !  {Supports  herself  against  the  rock.) 

Loth.  Blood  imbrues  her  dagger  I 
And,  lo  2  a  corse,  whose  gaping  wound  —  0,  princess, 

What  hast  thou  done  ? 

AdeL  A  deed  of  guilt,  of  madness  ! 

And  of  what  guilt  thine  eyes  express  too  well. 


88 


ADELGITIIA. 


[ACT  IV. 


Nay,  give  thy  hatred  words  ;  I  fain  would  die  ! 

And  speak  but  thou  with  truth  and  force,  “  I  hate  thee  !  ” 

And  lightning  would  not  strike  me  dead  so  soon. 

Loth.  Hate  thee?  O,  powers  of  bliss  !  my  brain  whirls  round  ! 

I  know  not  what  to  think  —  or  say  —  or  do  !  (  Throws  down  sword.) 

I  can  but  feel,  all  guilty  as  thou  art, 

The  world  holds  nothing  which  my  soul  loves  dearer  ! 

Adel.  Say’st  thou  ?  Thanks,  Heaven,  for  this  last  drop  of  comfort 
Thrown  in  my  bitter  cup  !  Lothair,  Lothair  ! 

This  heart  —  thou  dost  not  know  —  Hark  !  the  rock  echoes 
With  hurried  steps.  If  here  I ’m  found,  my  fame, 

My  life  are  lost  !  Save  me,  Lothair,  save  me  ! 

For  I ’m  so  guilty  that  I  dare  not  die  ! 

O,  save  me  !  save  me  ! 

Loth.  They  ’re  at  hand.  Fly,  fly  ! 

Yon  steps  conduct  — 

Adel.  ( attempting  to  reach  them ,  but  sinking  back  ready  to  faint , 
and  catching  at  a  broken  piece  of  the  rock).  I  cannot  ;  my 
strength  fails  me  — 

My  doom  is  fixed  ! 

Loth.  ( raising  her).  Take  courage  ;  rest  on  me  ; 

The  torch  !  ( Taking  it  in  one  handy  while  the  other  clasps  Adelgitha.) 
Come,  come  !  Fear  not ;  I  ’ll  die  or  save  you  ! 

Nay,  come  —  away  —  away  !  [ Exeunt  by  the  steps ,  3  E.  n.  H. 

Enter  Imma,  hastily,  c.  f.  arch. 

Imma.  Fly,  fly,  Lothair  ! 

Julian  is  seized,  and  Hainulf  this  way  hastens  ! 

Lothair  !  He  answers  not.  0,  Heaven,  they  come  ! 

Enter  Rainulf,  Julian,  and  eight  guards  with  torches,  c.  F.  arch. 

Rainulf  (to  Julian).  If  thou  deceiv’st  me,  wretch,  thy  life  shall 
pay  for  it  ! 

Not  here  ? 

Julian.  In  yonder  cave  — 

Irn.  ( standing  before  the  entrance  of  the  cave,  3  e.  l.  h.)  Stay, 
Rainulf,  stay  ! 

Pursue  your  search  no  further  !  On  my  life, 

The  babe,  who  ne’er  yet  lisped  the  name  of  mother. 

Is  not  more  guiltless  than  Lothair  ! 

Rain.  His  flight 

Argues  not  innocence.  Your  pardon,  princess  ; 

I  needs  must  on.  ( To  the  guards. )  This  way. 

[ Exeunt  with  four  guards  into  the  cave ,  3  E.  L.  H. 
Im.  ( with  a  loud  shriek).  My  father  ! 

Mich.  My  child,  farewell  !  {Dies.) 

Irn .  0,  horror  !  ( Faints  on  the  body.) 

Loth.  ( rushing  down  the  steps ,  3  e.  r.  h.)  ’T  was  Imma  shrieked  ! 
Rain.  ( entering  3  e.  l.  h.,  followed  by  the  guards).  Lothair  ! 
Guards,  seize  him  ! 

Loth.  ( held  by  the  guards).  Imma  ! 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


( Part  of  the  guards  detain  Lothair  in  the  background ,  while  the 
rest  form  a  group  around  Imma  and  her  father .  —  Rainulf,  a 
tall  martial  figure  in  armor ,  stands  in  the  middle ,  extending 
one  arm  towards  Lothair.) 

TABLEAU. 

END  OF  ACT  IV. 


ACT  y. 

SCENE  I.  —  A  Gothic  Hall  splendidly  illuminated ,  6  G.  —  Ban¬ 
quet  tables  on  r.  and  l.,  around  which  are  Tancred  and  the  knights , 
pages  attending.  —  Throne ,  and  chairs  on  3  g.  —  Guiscard  on 
throne.  —  Flourish . 

Guiscard.  Why,  this  looks  well  !  Fill  every  goblet  high. 

( All  fill  goblets.) 

0,  heavens  !  ’t  is  sweet 

O’er  friendship’s  bowl  to  talk  of  perils  past, 

And  share  our  joys  with  those  who  shared  our  dangers. 

(Rising.)  But  speak  of  war  no  more  ;  for  lo,  she  comes, 

Whose  presence  sheds  around  her  peace  and  joy  !  (All  rise.) 

Enter  Adelgitha,  1  e.  r.  h.,  with  Claudia  and  ladies. 

0,  welcome,  welcome,  as  the  wished-for  port 
To  some  long  absent  seaman  !  Why,  my  soul, 

Hast  thou  so  long  deprived  me  of  thy  sight  ? 

Adelgitha.  (r.  h.)  Guiscard,  so  ill  I  merit  —  I ’m  so  conscious —  1 
My  heart  —  there  could ’st  thou  read  — 

Guis.  (l.  h.,  with  anxiety ).  Methinks  thou  ’rt  strangely  pale  ;  yet 
’t  is  no  wonder. 

That  place  where  thou  hast  been  to-night  — 

Adel,  (alarmed).  To-night? 

That  place  ?  Thou  knewest  then  — 

Guis.  That  religious  duties 
Have  long  detained  thee  in  St.  Hilda’s  chapel  ; 

And  much  I  fear  the  damp  from  vaults  exhaling  — 

The  marble  walls,  the  night  wind’s  chilling  blast  — 

Adel,  (with  a  mixture  of  irony).  True,  true  ;  the  night  wind  !  0, 
’t  is  nothing  more  ! 

’T  will  soon  be  past  ! 

Guis.  (taking  a  goblet  from  a  page).  I  trust  so  ; 

Look  round  thee,  sweet.  Apulia’s  champions  stand. 

Expecting  from  thy  lip3  their  best  reward. 

Greet  them,  my  love. 

Adel,  (takes  a  bowl  —  then  suddenly  dashes  it  on  the  ground ). 

Away  !  ’t  is  filled  with  blood  ! 

Claudia.  She  raves. 


40 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  V. 


Guis.  ( surprised ).  What  means  — 

Adel.  Have  I  deserved  this,  Guiscard  ? 

I  ever  loved  thee  with  such  truth,  such  fondness — 

I  know  how  monstrous  was  my  fault  —  but  this  — 

0,  this  was  cruel,  cruel !  (  Weeping  on  Claudia’s  bos&tn). 

Guis.  Why  weep  and  hide  thy  face  ? 

Turn  to  thy  Guiscard  —  turn  to  him  who-  loves  thee. 

Adel,  {eagerly).  Thou  lo vest  me  ?  0,  repeat  those  blessed  words  ! 

Swear  still  thou  lovest  me  l 

Guis.  Canst  thou  doubt  my  love  ? 

Adel,  (insisting  on  the  word).  Still  !  lovest  me  still  ?  Pronounce 
that  word  —  “  still,  still  !  ” 

Guis.  ( surprised  at  her  wild  energy).  Still  love  thee  more  than 
life! 

Adel,  (exulting).  Why,  then,  ye  heavens. 

In  thunder  speak  your  wrath  !  I  ’ll  hear  and  smile  l 
Conscience,  thy  sting  is  lost  ! 

He  loves  me  still,  and  all  things  else  are  trifles  ! 

Hail,  warriors,  hail !  resume  your  seats  !  (All  sit.)  Fill  high 
Your  bowls  with  wine  ; 

Swell  round  me  choral  music. 

And,  peals  of  bursting  joy,  rise,  rise,  and  drown 
That  voice  I  will  not  hear  I 

Guis.  This  change  so  sudden  — 

This  frantic  rapture  — 

Adel.  Ask  not  what  it  means  ; 

Thou  lovest  me,  and  I ’m  blest  ;  let  that  suffice. 

Come,  chieftains  ;  Guiscard,  come  ! 

Imma  (without).  Where,  where ’s  the  prince  ? 

Adel .  (shuddering).  ’T  is  Imma  !  ’t  is  his  daughter  ! 

Imma  rushes  in  wildly ,  and  Rainulf,  1  e.  l.  h* 

Im.  Justice,  justice ! 

0,  princely  Guiscard,  at  thy  feet  I  fall. 

And  clasp  thy  knees,  and  call  on  thee  for  vengeance  ! 

See  these  torn  ringlets,  pallid  cheeks,  eyes  swollen. 

And  pity  me.  My  heart  is  stabbed,  is  breaking  ! 

He ’s  dead  !  O,  Heaven,  he ’s  dead  ! 

Guis.  Rise,  Imma,  rise. 

Whom  mourn  ye  ? 

Im.  Can  I  speak  the  name  and  live  ? 

The  assassin’s  dagger  —  near  the  rocks  he  lies. 

Pale,  breathless,  cold  !  I  threw  me  by  his  side, 

And  strove  to  warm  him  ’gainst  my  heart  —  in  vain  ! 

He ’s  dead,  he ’s  dead  !  my  father ’s  dead  ! 

Guis.  Thy  father  ? 

Im.  Savagely  murdered  ! 

0,  wretched  Imma  ! 

Adel.  How  I  suffer  ! 

Im.  (to  Adelgitha).  Ah,  you  weep  !  But  had  you  seen. 

As  I  did,  his  pale  cheeks,  his  gaping  wound. 


SCENE  I.]  ADELGITHA.  41 

The  cold  dews  stealing  down  his  brows  !  His  limbs 
Convulsed  by  dying  pangs  !  — 

Adel.  Imma,  Imma  ! 

Thou  ’It  drive  me  mad  ! 

Guis.  Confused  by  rage  and  horror, 

I  know  not  to  console  —  but  doubt  not,  lady. 

If  still  Otranto  holds  the  wretch,  I  ’ll  find  him. 

And  take  such  dread  revenge  — 

Rainulf.  Forgive  my  boldness  : 

Fainting  through  anguish  on  her  father’s  corse, 

The  princess  knows  not,  ere  we  left  the  rocks, 

The  assassin  was  surprised. 

Guis.  Produce  the  wretch  ! 

[ Exit  Rainulf,  1  e.  l.  h.,  and  returns  with  Lothair  in  chains. 
Rain.  Behold  him  ! 

Guis.  Lothair  the  assassin  ? 

Im.  No,  prince,  no  ; 

On  my  soul,  no  !  If  aught  that ’s  ill  had  menaced 
The  life  of  Irama’s  father,  he  had  found 
No  surer  safeguard  than  Lothair. 

Guis.  (to  Rainulf).  What  proofs  ? 

Rain.  His  lurking  ’mid  the  rocks  — his  sword  unsheathed 
Found  near  the  corse  —  their  well-known  enmity  — 

This  day’s  events  — 

Guis .  All,  all  confirm  him  guilty  !  (To  Lothair.) 

What  hast  thou  done,  base,  wretched  youth  ?  Thy  crime 
At  once  robs  thee  of  life,  and  me  of  honor. 

A  sovereign  slain  !  a  sovereign  at  my  court, 

Who  sought  protection,  and  who  found  a  grave  ! 

Lothair.  What  can  I  say  ?  So  deep  and  dark  a  gloom 
Involves  my  fate,  that  I  despair  to  pierce  it. 

The  snow  that  falls  is  not  from  taint  so  pure 

As  are  my  hands  from  blood,  my  lips  from  falsehood. 

Im.  Then  clear  thy  conduct,  and  relieve  my  heart. 

Which  trembles  for  thy  love,  thy  life,  thy  virtue  ! 

Who  placed  thy  falchion  by  my  father’s  corse  ? 

So  near  him,  didst  thou  not  hear  his  shriek  for  succor? 

Know’st  thou  whose  hand  ?  —  He  turns  away  in  silence. 

Adel.  (r.  c.  aside).  Reward  him,  Heaven  ! 

Im.  (l.  c.)  Wilt  thou  not  speak  ? 

Loth.  (l.  h.)  I  ’ll  answer 
This,  but  no  more  :  as  I  ’ve  a  soul  to  save. 

The  hand  which  slew  thy  father  was  not  mine. 

Im.  Then  whose,  barbarian  ?  Go,  thou  ne’er  hast  loved  me  ! 
Lived  in  thy  breast  one  feeling  spark,  thou  could’st  not 
Suffer  such  doubts  to  rack  her  soul,  who  would  not 
Grieve  thine  for  the  world’s  wealth. 

Loth.  Inhuman  Imma  ! 

To  die  were  better  than  to  cause  those  tears. 

O,  spare  me,  spare  me  !  Leave  me  to  my  fate  ! 

Guis.  I  know  not  what  to  think.  His  oaths  —  his  anguish  — 
Should  he  indeed  be  guiltless  — 

4* 


42 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  V. 


Rain .  Gracious  prince, 

Know  that  on  Michael’s  corse  the  note  was  found 
Which  lured  him  to  these  secret  rocks. 

Guis.  Was  it  not  signed? 

Rain.  It  was  not ;  but  the  writing 
Perhaps  may  lend  some  cue  — 

Guis.  You  counsel  well : 

Produce  that  note.  [  Exit  Rainulf,  1  E.  L.  H. 

Adel,  {aside).  I ’m  lost. 

Loth,  {aside).  She  started  !  Then  ’t  was  hers  ! 

Adel,  {in  a  low  voice  to  Claudia).  Now,  Claudia,  now. 

Now  what  resource  ? 

Loth,  {aside).  I  hear  his  steps. 

Adel,  {breathless  with  anxiety).  Now,  now  ! 

Loth .  {aside).  What  must  be  done ?  O,  wretched  woman  ! 

Reenter  Rainulf,  1  e.  l.  h. 

Rain,  {kneeling).  This  letter,  prince  — 

Loth,  {snatching  it  and  tearing  it).  Shall  ne’er  betray  its  writer  : 
This  makes  the  secret  safe. 

Guis.  Rash  youth,  forbear  ! 

Im.  {in  despair).  Then  there ’s  no  hope  —  he ’s  guilty  ! 

Guis.  What  means  thy  daring  act? 

Loth.  It  means,  I  know 

The  hand  which  traced  these  lines,  and  murdered  Michael. 

The  cry  of  murder  drew  me  to  the  spot 

Where  Michael  breathed  his  last.  I  seized  the  assassin, 

Whose  life  was  in  my  power.  I  swore  to  save  it. 

Adel,  {aside).  0,  generous  youth  ! 

Guis.  {peremptorily).  One  word  decides  thy  fate — one  choice  is 
left  thee : 

Reveal  the  culprit,  or  thou  diest  this  instant. 

Loth.  Lead  to  the  scaffold  ! 

Guis.  {furious).  ’T  is  enough.  Guards,  seize  him  ! 

Rain.  Yet  be  advised,  Lothair,  nor  hope  to  bury 
This  strange,  mysterious  secret  in  the  grave  : 

The  rack  will  force  it  from  thee. 

Loth.  Try  its  strength,  then  ; 

Thou  ’It  find  that  virtue  has  more  power  to  blunt 
The  shafts  of  pain  than  man  has  art  to  forge  them  ; 

Nor  can  thy  tortures  so  afflict  my  body 
As  violated  vows  would  rack  my  mind. 

Guis.  I  ’ll  hear  no  more.  Bear  him  to  instant  death. 

Adel.  Distracting  sound  ! 

Loth.  Imma  —  not  one  last  look  ! 

Guis.  Force  him  away. 

Loth.  Imma,  farewell !  farewell  !  {Dragged  away  by  the  guards.) 
Guis.  Obey  me  —  to  the  block  ! 

Adel,  {with  a  dreadful  shriek).  0,  spare  him  !  save  him  ! 

He  ’s  guiltless  ! 

Guis.  {starting).  How? 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


43 


A  del.  ( desperate ).  He ’s  guiltless  —  he ’s  my  son  ! 

{All  start ,  while  she  rushes  to  Lothair,  and  clasps  him  in  her 
arms. ) 

Guis .  Thy  son  ? 

Loth.  Thy  son  ? 

Guis.  0,  gods  !  what  is  ’t  I  hear  ? 

Adel.  {firm).  My  shame  —  my  guilt  —  my  fondness  —  my  despair! 
’T  was  I  who  murdered  Michael  ;  /,  who  now 
Repeat  Lothair  is  guiltless  is  my  son  — 

Pleased  to  lay  down  my  life  to  save  my  child’s, 

And  die  for  him  who  would  have  died  for  me  !  {Embracing  him.) 
Loth,  {kneeling).  0,  mother  ! 

Guis.  Adelgitha  !  thou  whose  virtues  — 

Art  thou  a  murderess  ?  —  thou  ? 

Adel.  Nay,  never  doubt  it : 

I  own  my  crime,  and  I  desire  no  pardon. 

The  tale  thou  heardst  from  me  to-day  was  mine. 

The  father  of  Lothair,  long  ere  thou  saw’st  me, 

Robbed  me  of  peace  and  honor  ;  fatal  chance 
Betrayed  to  Michael’s  ear  this  dangerous  secret  ; 

His  heart  was  hard  ;  my  brain  was  wrought  to  frenzy  ; 

He  knew  and  threatened  me  ;  /  feared  and  slew  him. 

Guis.  Unhappy  woman, 

What  hast  thou  done  ?  — 

My  brain  !  ’t  will  bear  no  more  ! 

(Rainulf  supports  him.  —  Julian  brings  down  chair ,  0.) 
Adel.  My  son,  my  son, 

Curse  me  not !  ( To  Lothair.) 

Loth.  Curse  thee  ?  Kneeling,  thus  I  bless  thee, 

And  swear,  could  drops  wrung  from  my  inmost  heart 
Repay  the  blood  thy  hand  has  shed  — 

Guis.  {recovering  himself  ).  This  instant 
Let  all  retire  except  —  except  —  the  princess. 

Adel,  {detaining  Lothair).  O,  no,  no,  no  !  I  dare  not  — 

Guis.  {solemn  and  commanding).  Adelgitha  ! 

Adel,  {in  a  faltering  voice).  Prince,  I  obey. 

[ Exeunt  Imma 9  guards,  fyc.,  R.  and  L, 

Manent  Guiscard  and  Adelgitha. 

Guis.  {after  a  pause).  I  ’ll  not  reproach  thee' — fear  not : 

I  will  but  say  —  and  say  it  in  mild  words  too  — 

I  will  but  tell  thee  —  grief  impedes  my  utterance  — 

That  we  must  part  —  forever  ! 

Adel.  O  ! 

Guis.  Thou  know’st  me  — 

Know’st  well  my  dread  of  shame  —  my  sense  of  honor  ; 

Know’st  well  my  love  for  thee  !  But  what  I  suffer 

To  find  thee  false  and  guilty  —  this,  0,  this 

Thou  could’st  not  know,  or  sure  thou  hadst  not  erred  ! 

Adel,  {in  agony).  Heart,  heart ! 

Guis.  {his  emotions  gradually  get  the  better  of  him).  Is  ’t  true?  — 
can  it  indeed  be  real  ? 


44 


ADELGITHA. 


[ACT  V. 


Thou  —  thou,  on  whom  I  doated  —  thou,  whose  lips 
I  thought  ne’er  knew  a  falsehood  —  whose  eyes  spoke 
Each  wish  of  the  heart  so  plainly  —  in  whose  arms 
I  hoped  to  have  met  death,  which  in  thine  arms 
Had  been  so  free  from  pain  !  And  now  —  and  now  — 

Adel.  { her  grief  changes  into  gloomy  fierceness ).  And  now  you 
hate  me  ? 

Guis.  {wild  and  desperate).  Hate  thee?  Would  I  did  ! 

But  mark,  ungrateful  !  mark  these  groans  of  anguish 
Drawn  from  my  soul  — -  my  faltering  voice  —  my  locks, 

Which  thus  I  tear  in  frenzy  —  and  these  tears  — 

Mark  these  !  mark  these  !  then  ask  me  if  I  hate  thee. 

( Sinks  on  a  seat>  overcome  by  the  violence  of  his  feelings .) 
Adel.  Ha  !  flow  those  tears  for  me?  Speak,  Guiscard,  speak  ! 

( Falling  at  his  feet.)  Flow  they  for  me? 

{He  motions  her  to  leave  him;  she  rises  with  frantic  gesture.)  Fool 
that  I  was  to  hope  it ! 

He  shuns  me  — -  he  abhors  me  —  why  delay  then  ? 

Where  are  your  guards  ?  Come,  come  —  prepare  the  scaffold  ! 

And,  while  I  seek  it,  bid  the  indignant  rabble 
Load  me  with  scoffs  and  base  revilings  — 

Guis.  { starting  up  with  looks  of  horror  at  the  idea).  Thee  ! 

{ After  a  moment's  pause).  ’Tis  fixed,  and  farewell  honor,  farewell 

joy! 

(  To  Adelgitha,  resolute).  Thy  hand  in  mine,  partners  in  weal  and 
woe, 

Through  life  I  ’ll  never  leave  thee  ;  and  in  death 
One  grave  shall  hold  us  both.  Imploring  pardon, 

I  ’ll  wander  by  thy  side  from  shrine  to  shrine, 

A  barefoot  pilgrim.  Still,  in  toils  and  perils, 

My  arm  shall  guard  thee,  and  my  voice  shall  soothe  ; 

And  when  thou  weep’st  to  hear  insulting  crowds 
Pursue  thy  bleeding  steps  with  taunts  and  curses, 

With  my  torn  hair  I  ’ll  wipe  thy  tears  away, 

And  hide  thee  in  my  breast  from  scorn  and  sorrow. 

Adel.  Prince  —  Guiscard  —  heard  I  right  ?  Canst  thou  forgive  me  ? 
Guis.  I  can  —  I  do. 

Adel.  And  love  me  still  ? 

Guis.  Still  love  thee, 

And  more  than  light,  than  life,  than  fame,  than  virtue  ! 

Adel.  I ’m  happy  !  Guiscard,  Guiscard,  thus  I  thank  thee  ! 

( Embracing  him.) 

And  next  reward  thee  thus  !  ( Stabs  herself.) 

Guis.  {petrified  with  horror).  Help  !  help  l  within  there  ! 

Enter  Imma,  Lothair,  #c.,  r.  and  l.  h. 

Loth.  What  mean  those  cries?  0,  cruel  sight ! 

{He  receives  Adelgitha  in  his  arms.) 
Adel,  {to  Guiscard).  Thus  only 
Could  I  repay  thy  wondrous  truth,  and  spare  thee 
The  shame  of  loving  where  esteem  was  lost. 

Loth.  Fly,  fly  for  aid  — 


SCENE  I.] 


ADELGITHA. 


45 


Adel.  No,  no  ;  the  steel  was  faithful— 

*T  is  my  heart’s  blood  which  —  0,  that  pang  !  (Falling.) 

Guis.  ( hastening  to  her ,  and-  raising  her  in  his  arms).  She  dies  ! 
Look  up,  my  love,  my  soul  —  look  up  once  more  ! 

One  parting  word  - —  one  long  adieu  —  one  blessing  — 

Adel.  Bless  thee  !  —  farewell  !  —  0,  I  am  guilty,  guilty  ! 

Pray  for  my  soul’s  repose  —  pray  too  —  hereafter  — 

Our  spirits  in  a  better,  happier  world  — 

Heaven  !  heaven  !  - —  ’t  is  past !  (She  dies.)  * 

(  Guiscard  throws  himself  in  despair  on  the  dead  body,  near  which 
Lothair  is  kneeling,  while  Imma  is  fainting ,  supported  by 
Claudia  and  ladies.  —  Slow  music. ) 


Soldiers . 
Knights. 
Julian. 
Imma. 
Ladies. 
Claudia  and 
Ladies. 


SITUATIO  NS. 

Soldiers. 

Soldiers.  Knights. 

Pages.  Rainulf.  Tancred. 

Guiscard.  ^^dead*1’  Lothair. 

Slow 

Curtain. 


R. 


II. 


L.  H. 


Note.  —  I  make  no  doubt  that  Adelgitha’s  fate  will  be  reckoned  too 
severe.  In  my  justification  I  must  observe  that  my  object  in  writing  this 
tragedy  was  to  illustrate  a  particular  fact  ;  namely,  “  the  difficulty  of 
avoiding  the  evil  consequences  of  a  first  false  step.”  It  appeared  to  me 
that  the  more  venial  the  offence,  and  the  more  amiable  the  character  of 
the  offender,  the  more  strongly  would  the  above  position  be  proved  ;  and 
the  very  nature  of  my  object  made  it  necessary  that  Adelgitha  should  be 
the  constant  victim  of  her  single  transgression  in  this  life,  and  only  receive 
the  reward  of  her  many  virtues  in  the  life  to  come.  But,  above  all,  I 
must  request  that  no  one  will  mistake  Adelgitha  for  a  heroine.  I  meant 
to  represent  in  her  “  a  woman,  with  all  her  sex’s  weakness,”  whose  natu¬ 
ral  inclinations  were  virtuous  and  benevolent  ;  but  who  was  totally  un¬ 
provided  with  that  firmness  of  mind  which  might  have  enabled  her  to 
resist  the  force  of  imperious  circumstances.  Accordingly  she  gives  way 
to  them  one  after  another,  and  is  led  on  gradually  and  involuntarily  from 
crime  to  crime,  till  she  finds  herself  involved  in  guilt  beyond  the  possibil¬ 
ity  of  escaping.  Such  was  my  plan,  though  perhaps  the  defects  of  its 
execution  may  have  prevented  the  reader  from  discovering  it  till  now. 


CATALOGUE 


—  OF  — 

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FOR  SALE  BY 

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128  Washington  St.,  (Corner  of  Water,)  up  stairs. 
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Avalanche,  The . Drama,  3  acts . by  A.  Harris 

Abon  Hassan . Ext . 1  act . by  F.  Talfourd 

Angelo . Trag . 4  acts . by  Victor  Hugo 

Angel  or  Devil. . . Drama. . .  1  act . by  J.  S.  Coyne 

Alcestis . Bur . 1  act . by  F.  Talfourd 

Atalanta, . Ext . 1  act . by  F.  Talfourd 

Alhambra, . Bur.  Ext.  1  act . ..by  Albert  Smith 

All  for  Love . Trag . 5  acts . by  John  Dryden 

Agreeable  Surprise,  The. .  C.  Op....l  act . by  John  O’Keeffe 

Athenian  Captive, . Trag . 5  acts . by  T.  N.  Talfourd 

Anything  New,  . M.  Farce,  2  acts . by  I.  Pocock 

Ali  Pacha,  . .  . .  .Drama. . .  2  acts . by  J.  II .  Payne 

Adeline. . . Drama. .  .3  acts . by  J.  H.  Payne 

All  in  the  Dark . M.  Farce,  2  acts  . by  J.  R.Planche 

Actor  of  All  Work, . Farce....  1  act . by  C.  Matthews 

Artaxerxes, . Eng.  Op.. 2  acts . by  T.  A.  Arne 

Amalie, . Opera  . .  .3  acts . by  J.  T.  Haines 

A  natomist . Farce ....  2  acts . by  Mr.  Ravenscroft 

Author,  The . Com . 2  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Black  Doctor . Drama. .  .5  acts . by  I.  V.  Bridgeman 

Beggars  Opera . 0.  Op.... 2  acts . by  John  Gay 

Blue  Beard . Ext . 1  “  J.  R.  Blanche  &  C.  Dance 

Binks  the  Bagman . Farce...,  1  act . by  J.  S.  Coyne 

Uuckstone’s  Adventures. .  Farce. ...  1  act . by  S.  Lawrence 

Bona  Fide  Travellers . Farce. ...  1  act . by  Wm.  Brough 

Broken  Toys . Drama. .  .2  acts . by  John  Daly 

Balance  of  Comfort . P.  Com. .  1  act . by  Bayle  Bernar  l 

Buckstone’s  Ascent  . Ext . 1  act  . by  J.  R.  Planchi 

Bold  Stroke  for  a  Wife. . .  .Com . 5  ac  Is . by  Mrs.  Centlivre 


CATALOGUE. 

,  Com... 

Two 

. .  Drama. .  .3  acts* 

. . . 2  acts. 

. .  .2  acts. 

.  His.  Play.  .5  acts. 

. . .2  acts. 

. . .2  acts. 

.. . 3  acts. 

. . .2  acts. 

.  Dram. 

...  3  acts . 

. . , 2  acts. 

. . .2  acts. 

. .  .2  acts. 

. . . 1  act. . 

. .  .2  acts. , 

,  Com . . . . 

. . 1  act . . . 

C.  Op.. 

.2  acts. . . 

.Trag... 

.5  acts. . . 

.Trag... 

.5  acts. . . 

.Trag.. 

. o  acts . . . 

.Trag.  .. 

.5  acts. . 

.Dram. . 

.5  acts.. . . 

.5  acts. . . 

. 3  acts . . . 

.  5  acts. . . 

.3  acts. . . 

, .2  acts. . . 

.3  acts  . . 

.  3  acts. . . 

.4  acts. . . 

.  2  acts  . . 

C.  Op. 

.  3  acts . . . 

. .  Dram  . 

.3  acts. . . 

•2  acts. . . 

Poem . . . . 

.2  acts. . . 

.  .1  act. . . , 

,  1  act . . . 

, .1  act - 

. .2  acts. . 

. . 1  act. . . 

.  .Ext. . . 

.by  F.  Reynolds 
....by  S.  Foote 


. by  F.  Phillips 

•  by  George  Farquhar 
. . .  by  Mrs.  Centlivre 
...by  Joanna  Baillie 
....•by  F.  Reynolds 


Bankrupt . .  Com. 

Bird  in  the  Hand  worth  Two 

in  the  Bush,  A . Dra 

Beaux  Stratagem . Com. 

Busy  Body,  The . Com. 

Beacon . Dram  . 

Bridal  Ring . Dram 

Bunker  Hill  . His.  Pla 

Blackbeard . Com. . 

Blackbeard . Dram . 

Bee  Hive,  The . Farce. . .  .2  acts. . . .  by  J.  G.  Millengen 

...by  H.  Milner 

. . by  Moliere 

. by'  J.  Burke 

.by  R.  B.  Peake 

Brazen  Drum,  The......  .Dram. ..  .2  acts . by  8.  S  Steele 

Botheration . Farce.... 2  acts . by  W.  C.  Oulton 

ce . . . .  1 
;e....2 

Beau  Nash . * . Com. 

.by  J.  G.  Millengen 

. by  W.  Dimond 

....by  C.  A.  Walker 
....by  J.  B.  Phillips 
...  .by  Horace  Twiss 
...by  James  Haynes 

. Dram. . . 5  acts . 

. Com. . .  .5  acts. .... 

Commissary,  The. 

...  by  D .  Garrick 
.by  R.  B.  Peake 
....  by  S.  Foote 
. .  .by  A.  Murphy 

. by  S.  Foote 

.by  J.  R.  Planche 
.by  A.  Kotzebue 
. Anon 

Cabinet,  The 

oner,  The. . . .  Dram  . . 3  acts . 

tie . Dram*  •  *2  acts . 

.by  Wm.  Mason 
.by  F.  Reynolds 
T.  Havnes  Bayly 
.by  W.  L.  Rede 

. . by  J.  Lunn 

. by  C.  Selby 

...  by  T.  Dibdin 
G.  H.  Rodwell 

Chrononhotonthologos. . .  .Ext . 1  act . by  H.  Carey 

Crockery’s  Misfortunes. ..  .Bur . 1  act . .Anon 


CATALOGUE. 


3 


Christmas  at  Brighton  •  •  .Farce. .  ..1  act . by  C.  Matthews 

Catching  a  Mermaid . Farce...  1  act . ..by  J.  S.  Coyne 

Chevalier  de  St.  George. .  Dram ...  .3  acts,  .by  Mellville  &  Beauvoir 

Cozy  Couple,  A..., . Farce. . .  1  aet . by  S.  Lawrence 

Counter  Attraction . Farce. ...  1  act . by  W.  H.  Tilburg 

Court  of  Oberon . Ext..  •  •  • .  1  act. by  Countess  Hardwicke 

Cure  for  Love . Com  ....2  acts . by  T.  Pary 

Discreet  Princess . Ext . 1  act . by  J.  R.  Planche 

Duel  in  the  Dark  . Farce. ...  1  act . . by  J.  S.  Coyne 

Doing  the  “  Hansom  ”. ..  .Farce. ...  1  act . ..by  A.  Harris 

Drama  at  Home,  The . Ext . 2  acts . .by  J.  R.  Planche 

Delusion,  The . Dram. . .  .2  acts. . . . .  .by  VV.  H.  Oxbery 

Delinquent,  The . . . .  .Com. ...  .5  acts . by  F.  Reynolds 

Deserted  Daughter,  The.. .Com . 5  acts . .by  T.  Holcroft 

Deaf  and  Dumb . Dram . . . .  5  acts . by  “  “ 

Debtor  aud  Creditor . Com . 5  acts . by  J.  Kenney 

Day  welL  Spent . .  .Farce. ...  1  act . by  J.  Oxenford 

Durazzo . ..Trag . 5  acts . by  James  Haynes 

Darkness  Visible . Farce. ..  .2  acts . by  T.  E.  Hook 

Deed  of  Gift . Com.  Op.. 3  acts . by  S.  Woodworth 

Did  you  ever  send  your  wife,  &c. Far.  1  act . by  J.  S.  Coyne 

Damon  and  Pythias . Farce . 1  act....  by  J.  B.  Buckstone 

Doubtful  Son,  The . Flay ......  5  acts . ,by  \V.  Dimond 

Don  Giovanni . .Ext . 2  acts . by  T.  Dibden 

Drunkard’s  Fate,  The.. ..Dram . 3  acts . by  D.  Jerrold 

Dumb  Savoyard,  The  •••Dram . 1  act.. ...by  C.  P.  Thompson 

Death  of  Life  in  London.  .Ext . 1  act . by  T.  Greenwood 

Doctor  Bolus . Int . 1  act . by  G.  Daniel 

Duel,  The . Farce . 2  acts . .---by  R.  B.  Peake 

Devil  upon  two  Sticks... Com . 3  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Dream,  The  . Trag . 3  acts . by  Joanna  Baillie 

Dead  Alive,  The . C.  Op . 2  acts . by  J.  O’Keeffe 

Doves  in  a  Cage . Com . 2  acts . by  D.  Jerrold 

Don’t  lend  your  Umbrella. .C.  Dram.. 2  acts. ...by  L.  Buckingham 

Drapery  Question,  The...  Farce . 1  act . ..by  C.  Selby 

Deuce  is  in  her,  The . Farce . 1  act . by  R.  J.  Raymond 

Delicate  Attentions . Farce . 2  acts .  . .  .by  J.  Poole 

Drama’s  Vindication,  The.  .Scene...  1  act . P.  Massenger 

Deaf  Lover,  The . Farce . 2  acts... . by  F.  Pilon 

Dandolo . F arce . 1  act . .  by  E .  Sterling 

Day  in  Paris . Farce . 2  acts . by  C.  Selby 

Descart  the  Buccaneer _ Dram . 2  acts . by  D.  Jerrold 

Dance  of  the  Shirt . Dram . 1  act . by  Thos.  Morton 

Every  One  has  his  Fault.  .Com . 5  acts . by  Mrs.  Inchbald 

Exile,  The . Com . 3  acts- • . . . .  by  F.  Reynolds 

Englishman  in  Paris  . . Com . 2  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Englishmanreturned  from  Paris.  .Far. 2  acts . .by  “  “ 

Each  for  Himself . Farce . 2  acts  . . Anon 

Elphi  Bey-- . ..Dram . 3  acts . by  R.  Hamilton 

Edward  and  Eleonora. . .  .Tragedy. . .  .5  acts. . .  .by  Jas.  Thompson 
Elephant  of  Siam,  The. . . Dram . 3  acts-  •••...  by  John  Gallo t 


4 


CATALOGUE. 


Eliza  and  Claudio . M  Drama... 2  acts . Anon 

Eurydice  Hissed . . . .  .Farce . 1  act . by  H.  Fielding 

Earl  of  Essex . .  •  •  •  -Trag . 5  acts . by  Henry  Jones 

Elfrida . Dram  Poem . by  Wm.  Mason 

Englishman’s  House  is  his  Castle,  An.. Farce . by  J.  M.  Morton 

False  Impressions . Com . 5  acts... by  R.  Cumberland 

False  Delicacy . Com . 5  acts . by  Hugh  Miller 

False  Alarms . . Com  Op. . .  .3  acts.. .  .by  James  Kenney 

Fortune  of  War . Dram . 2  acts.  ...by  “  “ 

Fraternal  Discord . Dram . 5  acts . by  W.  Dunlap 

Fortress,  The . Dram . 3  acts . by  T.  E.  Hook 

Francis  the  First . .Trag  -  • . .  •  -  5  acts. by  Miss  F.  A.  Kemble 

Forest  of  Hermanstadt •  •  ..Dram . 2  acts . From  the  French 

Fra  Diavalo . Com  Op. .. 3  acts . by  M.  It.  Lacy 

Farmer,  The . Com  Op. .  .2  acts . .  .by  J.  O’Keeffe 

Fortress  of  Sorrento,  The.  .Dram . 2  acts. .  * . Anon 

Fish  out  of  Water . Farce* . 2  acts . by  J.  Lunn 

Fidelio . . . -Opera . 3  acts . by  Beethoven 

Field  of  Forty  Footsteps.  .Dram . 3  acts . by  Percy  Farren 

Frederick  of  Prussia . Farce . 1  act  . by  C.  Selby 

Faust  and  Marguerite . Dram . 3  acts. .  .by  Wm.  Robertson 

False  and  Constant . Com  . 2  acts . by  Joseph  Lunn 

Friend  Waggles . Farce . 1  act . by  J.  M.  Morton 

Five  Pounds  Reward . Farce . 1  act . by  J.  Oxenford 

Fearful  Tragedy  in  Seven  Dials. .  .Farce.  ..1  act . by  C.  Selby 

Fountain  of  Beauty . .Ext . 2  acts.... by  J.  M.  Kingdom 

Flight  to  America,  The. .  .Drama. ..  .3  acts . by  W.  L.  Rede 

Farm  House,  The . Farce 3  acts . .by  C.  Kemble 

Free  Knights,  The . Drama. .  ..3  acts . by  F.  Reynolds 

Five  Miles  Off . Farce . 3  acts- • . by  T.  Dibden 

For  England  Ho . Drama . 2  acts . by  I.  Pocock 

Faro  Table,  The . Com . 5  acts  . by  J.  Tobin 

Foscari. . Tragedy. ..  .5  acts . by  J.  B.  White 

Grieving’s  a  Folly . Comedy ....  5  acts. ..  .by  Richard  Leigh 

Green  Man,  The..  ..  .••Comedy. ..  .3  acts . by  Richard  Jones 

Gustavus  Yasa . Drama . 3  acts . by  W.  Dimond 

Gustavus  III . Drama.... 3  acts . by  M.  H.  Milner 

Gazette  Extraordinary,  The. . Com. .  .5  acts . by  J.  H.  Holman 

Good  Neighbor,  The . Int . ,.l  act by  W.  Dunlap 

Good  Little  Wife,  A . Com . .1  act.  .by  Alfred  de  Mussett 

Good  Run  for  It,  A. .  ..Farce . 1  act. .  .by  L.  Y.  Bridgeman 

Garrick  Fever . Farce . 1  act . J.  R.  Planclie 

Give  a  Dog  a  Bad  Name.. Farce . 1  act . by  S.  Lawrence 

Housekeeper,  The  .....  .Com . 2  acts . by  D.  Jerrold 

Husband  of  my  Heart,  The . 2  acts . by  C.  Selby 

High  Life  below  Stairs. .  .Farce . .2  acts. by  Rev.  Jas.  Townlcy 

Hope  of  the  Family,  The.  .Com . 3  acts . by  J.  S.  Coyne 

How  to  try  a  Lover . Comedy.... 3  acts . Anon 

He’s  much  to  Blame . Comedy ....  5  acts .  . Anon 

Hint  to  Husbands . Comedy.... 5  acts.- -by  R.  Cumberland 

Hear  Both  Sides. . . Comedy. ... 5  acts, ..... .by  T.  Holcroft 


CATALOGUE. 


5 


Helpless  Animals . Int . lact.... . by  J.  Parry 

He  W ould  if  he  Could . . .  Burletta ....  2  acts .....  by  I.  Bickerstaff 

Hartford  Bridge . Farce . 2  acts . by  W.  Pearce 

Hit  or  Miss . .  . Farce . 2  acts . by  I.  Pocock 

High  Low  Jack  and  the  Game. Ext.  1  act  by  J.  Planche  &  Dance 

Haunted  Tower,  The . Com.  Op. .3  acts . by  J.  Cobb 

Jew,  The, . Com . 5  acts.,  .by  R.  Cumberland 

Jew  of  Mogadore,  The . Com.  Op..  3  acts.,  by  H.  Cumberland 

Jew  and  the  Doctor . Farce . 2  acts . by  T.  Dibden 

Kais,  or  Love  in  the  Desert. .  Opera  ... 4  acts •■•••••  .by  C.  Brandon 

Kiss,  the . Com . 5  acts... by  Stephen  Clarke 

Knights,  the  . ..Farce . 2  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Kathleen  O’More . Drama . 3  acts . by  A.  Walker 

Kathleen  O’Neil . Drama . 3  acts. ...  *  .by  Geo.  Pepper 

King  O’Toole’s  Goose- •• -Ext.  .•*....  1  act . by  E.  Irwin 

King’s  Command,  the...  Farce . 2  acts.. by  C.  P.  Thompson 

King’s  Gardner . Farce . lact . by  C.  Selby 

Lionel  and  Clarissa . Com  Op. .  .3  acts. . .  .by  I.  BickerstafF 

Ladder  of  Love,  the . Farce . 1  act . by  T.  H.  Bayly 

Lancers,  The.  . Int . 1  act . by  J.  II.  Payne 

Love’s  Dream  . Op . 2  acts. . .  .by  S.  Beasley,  Jr 

Love  a  la  Mode . Com . 2  acts . by  C.  Macklin 

La  Sonambula . Opera . 3  acts. . . .  ..by  M.  R.  Lacy 

Lame  Lover,  the . Com  . 3  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Law  of  Java . Play . 3  acts... by  G.  Colman,  Jr 

Lofty  Projects . F’arce . 1  act . by  Joseph  Lunn 

Lesson  in  Love,  A . ..Com  . 2  acts.... by  J.  M.  Barclay 

Lock  and  Key,  The . Farce . 2  acts. . .  .by  Prince  Hoare 

Love  and  Friendship . Com . 3  acts.. by  A.  B.  Lindsley 

Lestocq . Dram . 3  acts.. by  W.  T.  MoncriefF 

Lestocq  . Opera . .  .3  acts . by  G.  M’Farren 

La  Muette . Opera . 5  acts . by  Scribe 

La  pie  Yolese . Opera . 3  acts . by  Castil  Blau 

Lucky  Horse  Shoe,  the. .  .Drama . 3  acts . by  T.  Parry 

Lord  Lovel  and  Nancy  Bell. .  Bur . 1  act  .  .by  F.  C.  Burnand 

Leading  Strings . Com  3  acts . .  by  A.  C.  Troughton 

Lilian  Gervaise . Dram . 3  acts . by  M.  Barnett 

Malvina . -  .Opera . 3  acts . by  G.  M’Farren 

My  Old  Woman . Com . 3  acts. . .  .by  G.  M’Farren 

Mason  of  Buda,  the . Burletta . 2  acts. . .  .by  J.  It.  Planche 

Modern  Antiques . Farce . 2  acts . by  J.  O’Keeffe 

More  Ways  than  One. .  ..Com . 5  acts . by  Mrs.  Cowley 

Marriage  of  Figaro . .Op . . 3  acts.... by  H.H.  Bishop 

Married  Lovers . P.  Com. . 2  acts . by  T.  Power 

Mountain  Torrent,  the. . . . Dram . 2  acts. . .  .by  S.  B.  Judah 

Mogul  Tale, . Farce . 2  acts.. by  Mrs.  Inchbald 

Mrs.  Wiggins . Farce . 2  acts. by  J.  T.  Allingham 

Minor,  the . Com . 3  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Marie . Com . 1  act.. by  II.  II .  Addison 

Maid  of  Florence . Trag . 5  acts . Anon 

Miser,  the . Com . 3  acts.,  by  Henry  Fielding 


6 


CATALOGUE. 


Metamora  . Burlesque . 1  act ....  by  J.  Brougham 

Maid  of  Mariendorpt. .  Play . 5  acts. by  Jas.  S.  Knowles 

Maid  or  Wife . Com . 2  acts . by  B.  Livius 

Maid  of  the  Mill . Com  Op . 3  acts.... by  I.  Bickerstaff 

Maid  of  Bristol . Play . 3  acts.... by  Jas.  Boaden 

Mahomet . Trag . .  ..5  acts . by  Jas.  Miller 

Manfred . Dram  Poem . 2  acts . by  Lord  Byron 

Midnight  Hour,  the.... Com . 3  acts.. by  Mrs.  Inchbald 

Maid  Marian . Opera . 3  acts.. by  J.  R.  Planche 

Melmoth,  the  Wanderer. .  Dram . 3  acts . Anon 

Mu&es  in  Egypt. . . Opera . -3  acts . Anon 

My  Grandmother . Farce . 2  acts. . .  by  Prince  Hoare 

My  Uncle . Farce . 1  act . by  S.  Beasley 

My  Wife  or  my  Place.  Farce.  2  acts,  .by  C.  Shannon  &  T.  J.  Thackeray 

My  Sister  Kate . Farce . 1  act . by  Mark  Lemon 

Maid  of  Bath . Com . 3  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Mysteries  of  Odd  Fellowship  -  -  Farce. .  .1  act . ! . Anon 

Midas . Burletta . 2  acts... by  Kane  O’Hara 

Mountain  Sylph,  the.. Opera . 2  acts  ...by  J.  Thackeray 

My  Great  Aunt . Com . . . . : . 1  act . .  .by  J .  R.  Planche 

M  ysterious  Lady. .... -Com . 2  acts....  by  “  “ 

My  Heart's  Idol . Com . 2  acts. ...by  “  “ 

Matrimonial-  Farce . .  1  act.  .by  I.  V.  Bridgeman 

Masaniello . Burlesque . 1  act.... by  R.  B.  Brough 

Mr.  Buckstone's  Voyage.. Ext . 1  act _ by  J.  R.  Planche 

Medea . Burlesque. ...  1  act. ..  .by  R.  B.  Brough 

Miller  of  Derwentwater ....  Dram . 3  acts . by  E.  Fitzball 

Major  Jones’  Courtship _ Com  . 2  acts. .  .by  Major  J.  Jones 

Music  Mad  . Farce  . 1  act . by  T.  E.  Hook 

Man  of  Fortitude . Drama. ...... 3  acts,  .by  J.  Hodgkinson 

Miss  in  her  Teens . Farce . 2  acts . by  D.  Garrick 

Mother  and  Child  are  Doing  Well.  .Farce-  *1  act-  -by  J.  M.  Morton 

Man  in  the  Moon,  the - Farce . 2  acts . by  R.  Phillips 

Mountain  King  Drama . 3  acts .......  by  G.  Almar 

Mrs.  G-.  or  the  Golden  Pippin-  -  Farce. .  .2  acts . by  M.  Barnett 

M.  P.  or  the  Blue  Stocking.  -  Com  Op.  .3  acts  -  -  by  Anacreon  Moore 

Married  Unmarried . Drama . 2  acts . by  M.  Barnett 

My  Wife's  Diary . Farce . 1  act... by  Wm.  Robertson 

Moustache  Movement,  the  -  .Farce . 1  act. . .  .by  R.  B.  Brough 

Moving  Tale,  A . Farce . 1  act . by  M.  Lemon 

Mephistophiles.  ..Ext..l  act . by  B.  R.  Brough  &  S.  Edwards 

Marble  Bride,  the . Dram . 2  acts. by  C.  H.  Hazlewood 

My  Friend  the  Major. . . .Farce . .1  act . by  C.  Selby 

Martha  Willis . Drama . 2  acts . by  D.  Jerrold 

Maid  of  Artois . Opera . 3  acts . by  M.  W.  Balfe 

Night  Dancers,  the . Opera . 2  acts by  Geo.  Soane 

Noemie . Dram . 2  acts*  *by  Wm.  Robertson 

Nice  Firm,  A . Farce . **lact . by  Tom  Taylor 

Novelty  Fair . Ext . 1  act . Anon 

Norma . Opera . 2  acts . by  W.  West 

Nice  Young  Ladies  ...Farce . 1  act . by  E.  Sterling 


CATALOGUE. 


7 


Nipped  in  the  Bud . Farce . 1  act . by  C.  Selby 

Not  at  Home . .........  Drama . 2  acts....  by  R.  C.  Dallas 

Nabob,  the  . Comedy ...  .3  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Old  Chateau,  the . Drama . 3  acts . by  J.  S.  Coyne 

One  Hundred  and  Two. . . .  Drama. ....  1  act. . .  .by  H.  M.  Milner 

One,  Two,  Three,  Four,  Five,  by  Adv.  . .  Farce. ...  1  act  . Anon 

Orators,  the . .  Comedy ...  .3  acts . by  S.  Foote 

Of  Age  To-morrow . Comedy.. ..2  acts . Anon 

One  Hour . . Farce  . 1  act.... by  T.  H.  Bayley 

Ourselves  . . .  Comedy ...  .5  acts .  .by  Miss  Chambers 

Old  Maids . Flay . 5  acts,  .by  J.  S.  Knowles 

Oberon . . .  Drama . 2  acts . Anon 

Provost  of  Bruges . . Tragedy. .  ..5  acts. . .  .by  J.  W.  Lovell 

Point  of  Honor  . Play . 3  acts . by  C.  Kemble 

Paul  and  Virginia . ...Drama . 2  acts.*...  by  Jas.  Cobb 

Prisoner  at  Large,  the . Comedy.... 2  acts . by  J.  O’Keeffe 

Padlock,  the . C.  Opera... 2  acts. ..by  I.  Bickerstaff 

Prize,  the . Farce . 2  acts... by  Prince  Hoare 

Past  Ten  O’clock . Farce . 2  acts.  •  •  •  -bv  T.  Dibdin 

Patron,  the . Comedy ....  3  acts- . by  S.  Foote 

Purse,  the . Drama . 1  act . by  J.  C.  Cross 

Pickwick  Club,  the . Drama  -  •  •  -  .3  acts . by  E.  Sterling 

Party  Wall,  the . .  Farce . 1  act. .  by  W.  T.  Moncrieff 

Prince  for  an  Hour . Farce . 1  act.... by  J.  M.  Morton 

Platonic  Attachments . Farce . 1  act.. by  Bayle  Bernard 

Prophecy,  the . Drama  - .  .3  acts. .by  M.  B  Fowler 

Punch  and  Judy . Extrav . 1  act. . . . .Anon 

Pirate,  the . . . Drama. ....  3  acts  ....by  T.  Dibden 

Queen  of  Arragon,  the . P.  Comedy. .1  act . by  H.  Paul 

Queen  of  Spades . Drama  ...  .2  acts  -  -  by  D.  Bourcicault 

Queen’s  Jewel,  the . P.  Comedy..  1  act . by  W.  Collier 

Quaker,  the . C.  Opera... 2  acts . by  T.  Dibden 

Right  and  Wrong . Comedy.  . .  5  acts . Anon 

Retribution . Tragedy. ...  5  acts . by  John  Dillon 

Ramah  Droog . C.  Opera... 3  acts . by  Jas.  Cobb 

Roses  and  Thorns . Comedy ....  3  acts . by  J.  Lunn 

Rosina . C.  Opera. .  .2  acts- « •  -by  Mrs.  Brooke 

Recall  of  Momus,  the . Farce 1  act by  B.  Thompson 

Royal  Shepherd,  the . Opera  ....  3 .  Anon 

Red  Rover,  the . Drama 3 . Anon 

Richard  Coeur  de  lion . Opera . 3  acts . by  T.  Dibden 

Rise  of  the  Rothchilds . Drama . 2  acts,  .by  C.  Z.  Barnett 

Ransom,  the . Drama .2  acts. ..by  Mrs.  Planche 

Ranelagh . Drama  . . .  .  2  acts,  .by  J.  P.  Simpson 

Railway  Belle  the . Farce .  1  act. . by  M.  Lemon 

Sea  Captain,  the .  Drama  _  5  acts.. by  E.  L.  Bulwer 

Siege,  tbe  . Comedy  ....  5  acts. .  by  Joanna  Baillie 

Sons  of  Erin .  Comedy . 5  acts...  by  Mrs.  Lefanu 

Suspicious  Husband . Comedy 5  acts. .  .by  Dr.  Hoadley 

Student  of  Salamanca,  the. Comedy..  .  .5  acts*. by  R,  T.  Jameson 


8 

CATALOGUE. 

SuPau.  the . 

.2  acts. . 

Sultana,  the . . 

.  3  acts. 

Schoolfellows,  tbe . 

Siege  of  Belgrade . 

Snow  Storm,  the . 

Swedish  Patriotism . 

Spanish  Barber . 

. 3  acts. . 

Scan  Mag . 

. 2  acts. , 

Statue  Lover . 

Seven  Sisters . 

Serf,  the . 

St.  Patrick’s  Dav . . 

. 1  act. . 

Swing . . 

Sleep  Walker,  the . 

Sampson  Agonistes. . . . , 

School  for  Orators . 

Slow  Man,  the . 

Sink  or  Swim . . 

St.  Marv’s  Eve . 

Safe  and  Sound . 

.3  acts.. 

Sailor’s  Daughter,  the.. 

School  for  Friends,  the. 

. . .  Comedy. . . . 

Shipwreck,  the . 

.2  acts. 

Soldier’s  Return,  the  .. 

..  C.  Opera... 

.2  acts. 

Simon  Solus . 

Svlvana . 

Sworn  at  High  gate . 

Scrapegrace,  the . . , . 

.  1  act.. 

Son-in-Law  the . 

.  2  acts . 

Sprigs  of  Laurel . 

. .  2  acts. 

Secret  Mine,  the . 

Spitfire,  the . 

Trip  to  Scarboro,  a . 

Trust,  the . 

*5  acts. . 

Travellers,  the . 

Time’s  a  Telltale . 

Tears  and  Smiles . 

Trip  to  Calais . 

Touchstone . 

Three  and  the  Deuce. . . 

Thomas  A’Becket . 

...Play . 

Tribulation . . 

Transformation . 

2  acts^ 

Taste . 

Three  Deep . 

Tom  Noddy’s  Secret. . . , 

1  oo  many  Cooks . . 

2  acts. , 

Turning  the  Tables . 

Trumpeter’s  Wedding. . 

, .  .Farce . 

1  act. . 

Tale  of  Lexington,  a. . 

.  .by  Jas.  Cobb 
W.  Barrymore 
,bv  W.  Abbott 


.  Anon 


.by  T.  E.  Hook 


. Anon 

.by  J.  O’Keeffe 


.  by  J.  Poole 


•  by  T.  H.  Bayly 


CATALOGUE. 


9 


Tancred . Drama . 3  acts . Anon 

Two  Faces  under  a  Hood. .  C.  Opera.. .  .3  acts . by  T.  Dibden 

Two  Wives . Farce . .1  act . by  J.  Parry 

Two  Pages  of  Frederick  the  Great.  .Farce.  .2  acts . by  J.  Poole 

Tom  Bowling .  .Drama . 2  acts-  by  A.  L.  Campbell 

Tale  of  Mystery . .  .Drama  ....  2  acts  by  T.  Holcroft 

Tom  Thumb . Burletta. . .  .2  acts. . .  .by  Kane  O’Hara 

’  Fis  all  a  Farce . Farce . 2  acts . Anon 

Tower  of  Lochlain . Drama . 3  acts . by  D.  Jerrold 

Two  Much  of  a  Good  Thing.  .Farce . 1  act . by  A.  Harris 

Thetis  and  Peleus . Extrav . 1  act . Anon 

Tender  Precautions . Comedy . 1  act . by  T.  J.  Lesle 

Time  works  Wonders . Comedy. ...  .5  acts .  by  D.  Jerrold 

Urgent  Private  Affairs . Farce . 1  act . by  J.  S.  Coyne 

Uncle  John . Farce . 2  acts.. by  J.  B.  Buckstone 

Uncle  Crotchet . Farce . 1  act.  .by  Mrs.  A.  Phillips 

Vintagers,  the . Drama . 2  acts by  E.  J.  Eyre 

Vampire,  the...  . Drama . 2  acts. .  .by  J.  It.  Planche 

Venoni . . Drama  . ....  3  acts. ...  by  M.  G.  Lewis 

Village  Lawyer,  the . Farce . 2  acts ......  Anon 

Vidocq . Drama . 2  acts . Anon 

Van  Dieman’s  Land . Drama . 3  acts.. by  W.  T.  Moncrioff 

Voice  of  Nature . Drama . 3  acts by  Wm.  Dunlap 

Venus  in  Arms . Farce . 1  act.  .by  Mrs.  C.  B.  Wilson 

Very  Serious  Affair,  a . Farce . 1  act . by  A.  Harris 

Very  Suspicious . Farce . 1  act. .  .by  J.  P.  Simpson 

Village  Tale,  a . Int . 1  act by  A.  Younge 

Wrecker’s  Daughter,  the... Play . 5  acts. ..by  J.  S.  Knowles 

Way  to  keep  him,  the . Comedy,. .  .5  acts,  .by  Arthur  Murphy 

World,  the . Comedy. . . .  •  5  acts,  .by  James  Kenney 

Who  wants  a  Guinea . Comedy..  .5  acts,  .by  Geo.  Colman,  Jr. 

Woman’s  Wit . Play . 5  acts. . .  .by  J.  S.  Knowles 

Wreck  of  honor . Play . 5  acts by  John  Dunlap 

Xerxes  the  Great . Drama .....  5  acts . Anon 

X.  Y.  Z . Farce . 2  acts.. by  G.  Colman,  Jr. 

Yeoman’s  Daughter,  the..  .Drama . 2  acts  . by  T.  J  .  Serle 

Young  Hussar . Drama  . ...2  acts . by  W.  Dimond 

Yes . Farce. . 1  act.. by  C.  A.  Saunders 

Yankee  Notes . Farce . 1  act . by  E.  Stirling 

Youthful  days  of  William  the  Fourth. Drama.  2  acts. by  C.  Z.  Barnet 

Yellow  Kids . Farce . 1  act . .bv  M.  Barnett 

Youth  love  and  folly . C.  Opera. .  .  1  act . . by  W.  Dimond 

Yellow  Dwarf . Extrav . 1  act . by  J.  It.  Blanche 

Young  and  Handsome . Extrav . lact...,  “  “  “ 

Your  life’s  in  danger . Farce . 1  act. .  .by  J.  M.  Morton 

Zuma . Opera . 3  acts . by  T.  Dibden 


